Muse Developments and Rotherham Council have exchanged a deal with Travelodge to become the latest occupier at Forge Island, which will see a new 69-room hotel delivered in Rotherham town centre
Travelodge is the second major signing at Forge Island, following the news earlier in the year that boutique cinema operator, The Arc, had agreed to open its seventh site at the scheme.
Plans being brought forward by Muse and the council include a number of food and drink outlets and a car park.
The development will be set within a stunning public square, complete with a new pedestrian bridge connecting the scheme to the wider town centre, to create a real sense of place and deliver direct benefits to the Rotherham community.
It is anticipated that construction will begin in 2022.
Great news for the local economy
Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “Bringing a major occupier in Travelodge to Forge Island further highlights our collective commitment with the council to create a connected, innovative and inclusive scheme that brings people back to the town centre.
“We’re working hard to drive investment and growth to benefit the Rotherham community, along with providing a range of employment opportunities too. Forge Island represents what can be done when the best of the public and private sector come together with a clear vision and we’re looking forward to bringing the scheme forward in due course.”
Tony O Brien, Travelodge UK development director, said: “We are delighted to be opening our first hotel in Rotherham at Forge Island. This development is our 23rd local council hotel partnership.
“This type of partnerships is of huge benefit to local communities as it helps regenerate vacant space and supports inward investment. This often leads to further development, new job creation and increased income via business rates for the local council.
“There are no branded budget hotels in the centre of Rotherham and this hotel will help attract new visitors to the area. This is great news for the local economy as research shows, customers will spend on average double their room rate with local businesses during their stay which can equate to an annual multi-million-pound boost for the Rotherham economy.
“The Forge Island development is in a great location in the heart of the town centre, near to the railway station, the shopping centre and the AESSEAL New York stadium, home of Rotherdam United. With on-site car parking and the benefit of the new cinema and restaurants, this Travelodge is ideally located for leisure and business for business and leisure travellers.”
