PLANS have been unveiled for a new multi-million pound hotel in a Hampshire town.

Travelodge have been given the go-ahead for a new 54-bed hotel in the heart of Gosport that the company says will create more than 20 jobs and bring in more than £1m every year to the local economy.

The hotel will be located in the north side of the High Street, opposite the offices of the borough council, and will replace a parade of seven shops

A spokesperson for Travelodge said: “Gosport is a target location for us, as there is still a shortage of good quality accommodation at a great value price.”

Peter Lawson, from design architects Turley, added: “The hotel would be in a highly accessible location, close to public transport links and situated approximately 500m from Gosport Bus Station and the Gosport/Portsmouth ferry, which provided access to Portsmouth Harbour Train Station.

“The new hotel would act as a springboard for investment and regeneration in the area with guests generating expenditure by using the surrounding commercial businesses and restaurants.”

At Gosport council regulatory board meeting, councillors voted unanimously in favour of the Travelodge application.

Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Councillor Mark Hook said: “It is a great investment in the town and it shows confidence that a national company is moving into Gosport.

“It will improve the look and feel of the town and will help the local economy.”

The new hotel is part of Travelodge’s expansion plans to open several new sites across Hampshire in Lymington, Fareham, Winchester, Southsea, Hedge End and Portsmouth which could create more than 200 jobs.