Hotel plans in Stafford welcomed by locals

Last week it was revealed that a planning application had been submitted to Stafford Borough Council to turn vacant premises in Hunters Row, to the north of Gaolgate Street, into a 120-bed Ibis Styles hotel.

Several businesses have moved out of premises in the north end of the town centre in recent years, leaving a number of empty retail units.

But the borough council has said that over the last couple of months around half a dozen independent businesses have opened in Stafford and latest figures reveal footfall in the town centre is up on last year – with a higher increase than the national High Street average.

Councillor Frances Beatty, cabinet member for economic development and planning, said: “A major hotel chain submitting an application to build in the heart of Stafford is further evidence in the confidence that investors have in our county town.

“The council and our partners continue to shout loudly about the benefits to businesses looking to set up here. We have great connectivity to the rest of the country, we are an attractive borough, and investors can see the substantial growth already taking place.”

The town’s business community has spoken in support of the hotel bid.

Mary Walker, chairman of the Stafford Town Centre Partnership, said: “Our businesses have welcomed this excellent news. It is a significant development which would create new opportunities for our town centre businesses to service guests and also attract new visitors to the town.

“The Ibis brand is known worldwide and their significant proactive marketing campaigns will raise the profile of Stafford both nationally and internationally. Hopefully this will be the start of the regeneration of the north part of town.”

Declan Riddell from the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce said: “The building itself will generate jobs in the construction industry and the supply chain. When complete the hotel will create a number of permanent full time and part time job opportunities.

“Importantly the town’s economy will benefit from increased footfall which will boost tourism and consequently both the daytime and night-time economies.”

Martin Lennon, managing director of locally based Elm Group, added: “This is excellent as it provides a new development right at the north of the town and will hopefully provide a catalyst for regeneration in between – I am sure we can expect some other food places to move towards that customer base.”

Residents have also been having their say on the planning application – and concerns have been raised. A Parkside resident asked: “Where are all the hotel clients going to park?”

A Stretton Avenue resident said: “The north end of town needs rejuvenating but a hotel on the corner is not right at all, and also it will look out of place. We need new shops there.”

But others have described the plans as “great news” for the town.

One response from nearby Princes Street said: “Not only will it bring new life to the north end of Stafford but improve the overall look of the town.

“The infrastructure is already in place, it is perfect for a hotel and will bring much needed footfall. It will contribute to the plan of Stafford to have an evening attraction and will greatly benefit local shops and pubs.”

A St Mary’s Gate resident said: “This hotel would be a great investment to Stafford and will be close to all major transport links. The hotel would bring in more visitors to Stafford who would more likely boost the town’s economy.”