New West Bromwich Travelodge gets nod from planners

Travelodge wants to bring its latest hotel to Providence Place next to the new West Bromwich Building Society base just off the A41, creating more than 100 jobs in the process.

The scheme has moved a step closer after Sandwell Council's planning committee was advised to give it the nod. A final decision will be made next week.

According to developers Hinton Group, the hotel will create 25 full and part-time jobs when built, while more than 80 jobs will be created during construction.

The firm said the 78-bed hotel would enhance the town centre as it would regenerate a brownfield site.

After casting their eyes over the plans, officers at the council said the arrival of the hotel would be both 'complementary and appropriate'.

Andy Elwell, of Hinton Group, based in Bromsgrove, said: "Development of the 78-bed hotel at Providence Place will not only look to be a welcomed addition to the regeneration of West Bromwich town centre but also a convenient hub in its prime location with direct access to the M6/M5 links and Birmingham city centre."

West Bromwich town centre has undergone significant development in recent years, which has included the opening of the New Square Shopping Centre and Tesco, as well as hundreds of homes.

West Bromwich Building Society has also recently moved in to its new headquarters in Providence Place.

The 70,00 sq ft five-storey building, next to the BT regional business centre off the A41 island, is home to nearly 400 workers at the Black Country's biggest building society.

A report by Sandwell Council planning officer Anjan Dey ahead of the meeting concluded: "Overall, I am of the opinion that the development would complement the adjacent office buildings and wider locality and make a significant contribution to ongoing regeneration projects in West Bromwich town centre.

"It would also help create employment opportunities for local people."