Travelodge’s Oban bid

Travelodge is looking to build a £5 million hotel in Oban, creating 15 new jobs.

The hotel chain has written to Argyll and Bute Council proposing the two go into partnership.

Travelodge has identified Oban as an ‘up and coming tourism destination’ and wants to build its first hotel in Oban to help with ‘particular gaps that have been highlighted in the area’.

The company, which recently opened its 44th hotel in Scotland, is looking to expand its Scottish network by opening a further 20 hotels across the country. Any agreement between Travelodge and the council would see the hotel being built on council-owned land, says Travelodge.

Brian Wallace, Travelodge chairman, said: ‘Many local authorities are in possession of large amounts of property and assets that are not being used.

‘Investing in a low-cost hotel like Travelodge is an increasingly attractive choice, as it draws visitors, creates jobs and helps boost the local economy.’

In February this year, The Oban Times reported that Argyll and Bute Council was looking to team up with a business partner to redevelop one or more of its current car parks to ‘maximise economic return’ on the land.

The three identified locations were: the car park on Oban Esplanade, adjacent to the Corran House and Westbay Apartments; the car park adjacent to Albany Street; and the car park in Tweedale Street.