£7m Loughborough hotel opening set to herald 2012 hospitality
boom
8 December 2011
The East Midlands hospitality sector is gearing itself for a
major ‘shot in the arm’ according to sector experts as one of the
region’s newest hotels prepares to open its doors.
Contractors have put the finishing touches to the Premier Inn
Hotel in Loughborough and have handed over the keys ahead of a
pre-Christmas opening.
The 112 bedroom hotel is being developed by Saxondale Properties
of Nottingham on land previously owned by Charnwood Borough
Council. It will be operated by Whitbread Plc.
Once completed the £7m hotel hopes to accommodate
representatives from the Great Britain and Chinese Olympics teams
who will be using the world class sports training facilities at the
nearby University of Loughborough in preparation for the 2012
Games.
Sarah Parkinson, retail and property development partner at
Browne Jacobson, advised the developers Saxondale Properties on the
project. She believes the imminent launch of the hotel is a pivotal
moment for the region’s hospitality and leisure industry:
“Premier Inn is the UK’s leading budget hotel brand and their
investment in Loughborough is a huge vote of confidence both in the
town and region.
“As well as being a welcome shot in the arm for Loughborough,
this hotel development could herald the beginning of a major boom
for the region’s hospitality sector as businesses prepare to take
advantage of the biggest sporting event the country has ever
staged.
“Whilst the UK hotel industry overall has been struggling these
last few years, particularly mid-range hotels, the branded budget
sector has witnessed dynamic growth. It has grown by more than
thirty per cent since the onset of the recession in 2008 and we
expect that trend to continue well into next year and beyond.”