WORK has still not begun on a major hotel development in Ellesmere Port – a year after it was given the green light.
The proposed 77-bedroom Travelodge on Coliseum Leisure Park, which includes a restaurant and bar, would create around 25 new jobs.
The hotel chain is yet to agree a deal with landlord and developers, Leisure Fund Limited Partnership, which is managed by the Legal & General Property company.
Conditional planning permission for the hotel was granted in May 2008 on the basis that Travelodge started work within three years.
Nick Dines, head of corporate communications at Travelodge, said: “We haven’t exchanged anything on the site, nothing has been signed.
“It is a site we want to be on, we’re eager to start.
“The ball is in the developer’s court.
“We are hoping to conclude a deal at some stage this year.”
A Legal & General spokesperson said: “We continue to work towards finding a suitable tenant for the vacant plot at the Coliseum Leisure Park.
“We will ensure that the eventual tenant delivers real benefits for all the loyal customers of the park and those visiting the area.
“We are unable to discuss detailed negotiations further.”
The hotel, which is earmarked for land next to Prezzo, would be split into two units, with the restaurant and bar on the ground floor and the accommodation above over four extra storeys.
Planning conditions included minimising potential noise disturbance and providing parking and cycling facilities.
Bollards are proposed around the entrance to the hotel to protect pedestrians from traffic, and to allow outside seating areas to the restaurant and bar.
