THIS could be what an £8 million Cleethorpes hotel could look like if planning bosses give it the go-ahead.
The design for the Premier Inn at Meridian Park Development Site has been exclusively revealed to the Grimsby Telegraph, after developers submitted their planning application for the 80-bedroom hotel.
The idea of a chain hotel coming to the resort has divided opinion – with some bed and breakfast owners fearing it could kill off trade, while others think it will bring more tourists to the town.
Senior acquisition manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, Kevin Murray, said: "Cleethorpes has been on our target list for a long time. I am very pleased we have now submitted the planning application. The site is an ideal location for a Premier Inn and restaurant.
"We are sure it will support the increasing number of tourists who are visiting Cleethorpes and boost spending in the local economy."
The hotel, which will include a Brewers Fayre restaurant, will create 70 new jobs.
Residents of neighbouring Bolingbrook Road and surrounding areas have largely welcomed the development, believing it makes good use of derelict land.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Something needs to be done with the land, so I would be thrilled if Premier Inn came. It will be a great asset that will bring more people into the resort. We have lovely guest houses, which will benefit from more people who will be attracted to the town believing they will get accommodation."
Owner of Clee House Hotel, in Clee Road, David Keenan, disagrees believing it will only take custom away from his business and other independent guest houses.
He said: "They will have a rude awakening financially. Most visitors to Cleethorpes are day trippers, having a Premier Inn here will not draw in more tourists. To me it is a fools marketing strategy.
"My business will also be affected. It was certainly affected when the Premier Inn in Grimsby came. I lost three regular companies which boarded with me after they struck a deal with Premier Inn. It will not enhance Cleethorpes. Anyone who says they will visit Cleethorpes because there is a Premier Inn leads a very sad life."
Cleethorpes In Bloom, which host this year's Britain In Bloom Awards, missed out last year because there weren't enough hotels in the area to accommodate the 500 guests.
Mr Murray added: "Our product is a hit with our customers, our financial results are very strong, and we are expanding aggressively across the country.
"I look forward to working with North East Lincolnshire council on securing planning permission so we can open the doors to our Cleethorpes customers next year and help to promote the town to business and leisure visitors and support the local businesses in the area."
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
