A BUDGET hotel could be coming to a Hampshire high street.

Travelodge, after striking a deal with the landowner, is planning to develop a new 62-bedroom hotel in the heart of Winchester

It would occupy the former Next unit at the bottom of High Street, between Rick Stein’s restaurant and Debenhams and a short walk from the cathedral and Winchester Guildhall.

If approved, the premises, empty since Next left in June, would undergo extensive redevelopment with ‘dramatic’ changes to the appearance of the site.

However, the ground floor would remain retail outlets, with the hotel sitting above. Access would be via Market Lane.

James Tibbles, on behalf of landowner the London Borough of Southwark Pension Fund, said: “We have been approached by various hotel operators keen to have an operation in the centre of Winchester, subsequently reaching an agreement with Travelodge.

“Our application, we believe, will bring the fabric of the building more in context with its surroundings on both the High Street and Market Lane, whilst making a more positive visual contribution to the town centre.”

The plans have been met with initial optimism.

Michael Carden, deputy chairman of The City of Winchester Trust, said: “It needs thinking about, but it sounds like a welcome addition. It would depend very much on the design.”

The project would be designed by architects Haskoll and a council decision on the plans is expected in March.

If given the go-ahead it would become the first hotel to be based in High Street for several decades.