New 70-room hotel takes on long-vacant BHS unit
Almost four years after the collapse of BHS, the unit once occupied by the defunct department store chain at The Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford city centre it to be transformed into a 70-room Travelodge.
The centre has confirmed that the hotel chain has signed a 25 year lease, according to Essex Live. The new site comes as part of the chains expansion plan for UK city centres.
The entrance to the hotel will be at the back of the building, where the rear door of BHS backed onto the car park.
Sue Patel, general manager of The Meadows Shopping Centre said: “We are extremely excited to be welcoming Travelodge into The Meadows Shopping Centre. They are a well-respected brand who will be a great asset to our scheme.
Samuel Turner, Travelodge outsourced development manager of Carter Jonas LLP, added: “The local economy is growing at pace with increasing visitor numbers, however there is still a shortage of good quality accommodation at a great value price. The acquisition on behalf of Travelodge of the additional 70 rooms in Chelmsford will assist with meeting Travelodge guests demands.”
