A major budget hotel chain has confirmed it is to open another venue in the county.

The Travelodge chain has purchased a site at the Rochester Riverside development in a deal worth £8.2million.

The development stretches from Rochester Bridge along the River Medway and, once complete, will see 1,400 homes, a school, retail units and now a budget hotel.

Work on the site will continue for the next 11 years with the hotel set to welcome its first guests next autumn.

The deal with the hotel firm was struck through a forward deal with joint venture partners property developer Countryside and Hyde.

Tony O’Brien, Travelodge UK property director, said: "We are delighted to have secured an 81-bed hotel in Rochester on this highly visible site next to Rochester Station.

“The local economy and population is growing at pace and with increasing visitor numbers to the area and there is a major shortage of good quality accommodation at a great value price. The new Travelodge will provide this in a great location”.

Andy Fancy, managing director for partnerships at Countryside, added: “We are excited to be welcoming a brand new Travelodge to Rochester Riverside.

"It complements the development perfectly and is ideally located for anyone travelling into Rochester."

Construction of the hotel has already begun on site.

Earlier this year, Travelodge opened a hotel in Dover and promised a further 12 across the county.