IPSWICH is set to get a new Travelodge-style hotel on part of the site which was once home to the former Compair Reavell factory.

IPSWICH is set to get a new Travelodge-style hotel on part of the site which was once home to the former Compair Reavell factory.

A planning application for the new 126-bedroom hotel on part of the Compair site is due to be considered by members of Ipswich Borough Council early in the New Year.

Officers are recommending the council gives approval to the development - and to a block of offices beside it.

The application for the new hotel, which would be within easy walking distance to Ipswich railway station, has been submitted by Norfolk-based Reads Property Developments Ltd. There is no indication yet which company would operate the hotel.

However the full application states that the hotel would not have a bar or restaurant, it would only have a breakfast bar and a reception area.

The principle of building a hotel on the site has already been established as it was part of the master plan submitted by developers Fairview in 2005.

The new building would be partly three and partly four storeys high with a frontage on to the disused railway line to the Ipswich lower freight yard and docks.

The offices would overlook the River Orwell.

The plans include a total of 56 car parking spaces, 40 of which would be dedicated to the hotel and 16 for the offices.

The design of the hotel and offices would be similar to the buildings already taking shape on the Fairview site next to them and officers have stated they believe they are in keeping with the new look of the area.

About 300 homes are being constructed on the Fairview site.

Once the new footbridge proposed across the River Orwell is completed, there will be easy access from the hotel to the Ipswich Village area and through that to the town centre itself.

The application is due to be discussed at the meeting of Ipswich council's planning and development committee on Wednesday.

WEBLINK

www.ipswich.gov.uk