Whitbread proposal prompts interest from developers

By Menaha Thiru

A planning decision that allows Whitbread to build a Premier Inn on Walsall Waterfront has prompted other businesses to consider buying property there.

Councillor Mike Bird, chairman of the development control committee, said: “It is very positive news that the hotel is coming to Walsall, especially at a time when the construction industry is on its knees.

"This is an anchor to allow the rest of the development to go ahead and provides concrete evidence that businesses are interested in coming to Walsall Waterfront.”

There had been fears that plans to develop Walsall Waterfront would be abandoned due to the credit crunch.

The Waterfront project includes Urban Splash’s £180m development comprising housing, shops and offices.

Whitbread plans to start construction of the Premier Inn this year. The 120-bed hotel will sit between Wolverhampton Street and the town arm of the Walsall Canal.