Plans for new taxpayer-funded hotel could create more than 40 jobs in Fareham

Fareham Borough Council will work with budget hotel chain Premier Inn in partnership with the Roubaix Group Ltd, operators of Fareham Shopping Centre, to bring a branch of the popular hotel chain to the town centre.

Speaking on the proposals, Chris Beckerman, managing director of Roubaix Group, said: “Bringing Premier Inn into our redevelopment and regeneration plans is a really important part of working towards our vision and continuing the improvement of [Fareham's] shopping centre.”

The plans, which will be fully funded by the borough council were revealed Monday's meeting of the council's executive, will see the four-storey, 83-bed hotel at the rear of Fareham Shopping Centre, fully funded by the Borough Council.

Executive leader of Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Sean Woodward, welcomed the new plans to add to their property portfolio: "For a long time now, there has been interest from hotel operators to expand into Fareham town centre.

"Our joint proposal for a new hotel with market-leading hotel operator Premier Inn will help attract visitors and business to the town and sends a clear signal of the council's commitment to, and confidence in, the future of the centre.

“A new Premier Inn will therefore deliver value both through enhancing the shopping centre as a property asset to add to our commercial portfolio, which is already realising returns of £4.3 million.”

Derek Griffin, head of acquisitions (London & South) at Premier Inn, added that strong consumer demand in Fareham has led to the investment.

He said: “We’re seeing strong customer demand for Premier Inn nationwide and Fareham is a location where we’ve been wanting to invest for some time. This is an excellent opportunity for a top quality Premier Inn in the heart of the town.”

Full details of the plans are expected to be put forward at a public consultation running from March 22 to April 2, with a planning application expected to come forward during late Spring 2017.