Bradford Council talks to 'number of hotel operator'

The local authority revealed there has been an increased interest in the city since Bradford was announced as UK City of Culture 2025 last year, including from hotel operators.

It comes on the back of news that Travelodge is targeting West Yorkshire local authorities to help unlock regeneration opportunities and grow the region’s cities and towns.

Angela Blake, Bradford Council’s Assistant Director for Economy and Development, said: “We would be happy to talk to Travelodge about investment in Bradford.

“We have seen an increase in interest since Bradford was announced as UK City of Culture 2025, and are talking to a number of hotel operators at the moment, who are interested in investing in a new offer in the City”.

Travelodge has a requirement to open six new hotels across West Yorkshire. Bradford, Halifax and Wakefield –are among the areas being targeted as part of this.

There are already two Travelodge hotels in Bradford – one off Valley Road and another in Mid Point – while there is also a location in Keighley and at Leeds-Bradford Airport (LBA).

Travelodge, in Valley Road, Bradford (Image: Google Street View)

The company’s West Yorkshire expansion programme could represent a multi-million-pound investment for third-party investors and create 150 new jobs.

Steve Bennett, Travelodge Chief Property & Development Officer said: “In the current climate, local authorities are under extreme pressure to invest in their economy and support regeneration projects.

“This is why we have written to five local authorities across West Yorkshire to offer our support as we have a requirement to add to our West Yorkshire portfolio with a further six Travelodge hotels across the region.”

The letter outlines the pivotal role that Travelodge has been playing for the last 10 years in supporting local authorities by being a key player in their local regeneration and growth programmes and creating jobs and careers within the local community.

Travelodge, in Mid Point, Bradford (Image: Google Street View)

Travelodge also puts forward that its work has attracted new visitors to areas, boosting the local economy, and provides a solid long-term income stream for the local authority, as they have invested in the development of the hotel and are the landlord.

Mr Bennett said: “In addition, our research shows that, on average, Travelodge customers will spend at least double their room rate with local businesses during their stay; this can be an annual, multi-million-pound boost into each local economy.”