Travelodge plans to open new branch in Bognor Regis

Bognor Regis could soon be home to a new budget hotel as Travelodge ramps up its seaside expansion project.

The national chain is celebrating 20 years of operating at UK seaside resorts this summer and has earmarked Bognor as one of 26 coastal destinations.

A location is yet to be decided, but a spokesman for the company said new hotels typically create 50 new jobs.

Tony O’ Brien, Travelodge’s UK development director said the country was seeing a ‘rebirth’ of its seasides.

“West Sussex is a key tourism magnet and is enjoying year on year growth,” he said.

“To kick start our expansion programme in West Sussex we are writing to Adur and Worthing councils to see if we can play a pivotal role in their regeneration programmes like we have done in Rhyl.

“Investing in a low-cost hotel like Travelodge is an increasingly attractive choice, as it draws visitors, creates jobs and helps boost the local economy.”

The new hotel could be opened as part of Travelodge’s local authorities development partnership scheme, whereby it would be built on surplus local authority land.

Funding would be come internally from the local authority, the Public Works Loan Board or third party resources.

Upon completion of the hotel, the local authority would have the choice of retaining ownership of the hotel and receiving annual rent, or selling the building back to the hotel chain.