Job hopes as Lichfield Premier Inn hotel is lined up

Premier Inn has been lined up to build a hotel as part of Lichfield's £14million Friary Outer development – after rival chain Travelodge pulled out.

The company is in talks to open a 79-bedroom hotel as part of the development in moves that would create around 30 new jobs.

Council bosses said the hotel chain was close to signing a deal with developers to build the hotel. Travelodge had originally been lined up to build a hotel at the site.

Work has started on the first phase of the development to create a new car park and public toilets, as well as 54 apartments and six homes. Following a number of design changes requested by Premier Inn, S Harrison has now submitted a revised proposal to the council. It is hoped planning consent will be given by July.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council, said: "It is great news that Premier Inn is set to come on board with the redevelopment of Friary Outer. We have a thriving tourism industry and great business links, and Lichfield city will really benefit from a centrally placed hotel."

John Bates, head of acquisitions at Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, the parent company of Premier Inns, said: "Friary Outer ticks all the boxes for Premier Inn, given its great central location and convenient transport access."