What's the Point of new hotel?

Nov 18 2008 By Adam Courtney

Sunbury Cross

An empty office building in Sunbury Cross could be turned into a hotel – just weeks after similar accommodation was approved 200 yards away.

Brite Court Ltd has applied to Spelthorne Council to convert the nine-storey Kempton Point building, which has underground parking, in Staines Road West, into a hotel.

The scheme comes just weeks after extensive plans were approved by the council to redevelop the Sunbury Cross Shopping Centre, which involves turning the 13-storey Chubb House building into a hotel.

And with a Travelodge having already opened, questions have been asked about the area's ability to cope with the traffic and whether there is sufficient demand for another hotel in Sunbury.

Beryll Mitchell, of Scotts Avenue, said: "I would have thought the Travelodge and accommodation at the Chubb building would be more than adequate because I don't really know where the demand is going to come from. I think Terminal 5 is too far away.

"As for the traffic, well, it's already horrendous. All you need is a snarl-up on the M3 and the whole Cross comes to a halt and I don't feel extra hotels can help this. This is not a good idea."

However, Brian Ashford, who lives at flats in the shopping centre, welcomed the move, saying Kempton Point would be more suitable than Chubb because it has better parking facilities. He also believes there is demand in the town.

He said: "Kempton Point would make a nice hotel. It's got about 100 parking spaces that would be used exclusively by customers, unlike at Chubb which would have to share spaces with shoppers, offices and residents.

"I do think there is a need. We're very central and are near all the major roads. Apart from the Travelodge, the nearest hotel is currently in Feltham."

Liberal Democrat Spelthorne councillor for Sunbury Common, Ian Beardsmore, believes the sudden rush to build hotels in linked with the Olympics and is worried what will happen to the buildings after 2012.

However, his fellow Lib Dem colleague was more positive, saying: "I welcome the building could be occupied and it would bring employment to the area and the town. I hope the owners will encourage guests to use public transport."