More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Travelodge has announced major plans to open a swathe of new hotels across Kent.
The budget hotel chain is aiming to construct 11 new establishments in the county in partnership with councils.
The move would significantly increase Travelodge's portfolio of hotels in Kent, which currently stands at 17.
The firm wants to establish a "joint development partnership" with council bodies to "stimulate regeneration and facilitate further growth".
Bosses at the chain have written to nine local authorities in the county to argue the benefits of the scheme, which it says has already produced three hotels – with two more currently under construction – elsewhere in the UK.
A spokeswoman said: "This Kent expansion programme could represent a multi-million pound investment for third party investors and create 275 new jobs in the county."
After the hotels are built, the councils will have the option to retain ownership of the hotel and receive an annual rent, or sell it with Travelodge as its operator.
"This kind of structure enables developments to take place which otherwise would not be financially-viable and therefore delivers new town centre regeneration which would not otherwise happen," the spokeswoman added.
Under the new proposals, there would be new Travelodges in:
Steve Bennett, Travelodge chief property & development officer said: “In the current climate, local authorities are under extreme pressure to invest in their economy and support regeneration projects. This is why we have written to [councils] across Kent to offer our support as we have a requirement to nearly double our Kent portfolio with a further eleven Travelodge hotels across the region.
"Our target locations include: Folkestone, Dartford, Deal and Rochester. This expansion programme could represent a multi-million investment for third party investors and create 275 new jobs. In addition, our research shows that, on average, Travelodge customers will spend at least double their room rate with local businesses during their stay; this can be an annual, multi-million pound boost into each local economy."
He added: “Britain is now a nation of budget travellers, with more of us choosing to stay in budget hotels than any other hotel type and this trend is set to grow, which is why we are looking to expand our UK hotel network with a further 300 hotels.
"Adding a Travelodge hotel can be a catalyst to attract new businesses to support regeneration, bring vacant buildings back into economic use as well as attracting thousands of new overnight visitors to the area and revitalising high streets."
