Hotel chain to create jobs in Sunbury

Apr 24 2009 By Adam Courtney

BUDGET hotel chain Premier Inn says it will bring 45 new jobs to Sunbury after signing an agreement to open a hotel in Staines Road West.

The site, called Kempton Point and currently a partially-used office block in Staines, will be the town's second hotel when it opens, in Summer next year. A third is also planned at the Chubb House building in the Sunbury Cross shopping centre.

Neighbours have voiced concern there simply isn't market for so many inns, and are also of the opinion the scheme will increase traffic in an already congested area.

But bosses at the Whitbread-owned Premier Inn, the biggest budget hotel chain in Britain, say the benefits to the town will be widespread and are confident there market is there.

Derek Griffin, the Premier Inns' head of acquisitions, said: "Our plans for a new hotel in Sunbury are based on a detailed assessment of the potential catchment for guests. We believe that we can trade successfully and be competitive in this local market.

"There are real and significant benefits for Sunbury from our investment. Alongside approximately 45 new jobs and investment in excess of £6 million, we are talking about returning a former office building to productive use and providing Sunbury with a facility which can help boost the local economy. We think it’s good news for Sunbury and good news to have another hotel at an important location."

News of the job benefits have pleased Liberal Democrat leader, councillor Colin Strong, who said: "Generally speaking I think it's good news and excellent news about the jobs, which hopefully will be filled with local people who are struggling with the current financial climate.

"To my memory, the building has been mostly empty for 14 years, so it's about time some use is finally being made of it. If people can park in the car park above the shopping centre, then fine."

Work on the scheme will begin shortly and it is expected rooms will cost about £50 per night.