Despite earlier rejection from the Richmond Council, the local government has granted approval for the development of the 10-storey Travelodge on the previous site of Regal House. The company projects to spend £7.5 million for the lease and for the remodelling of the office block into a hotel.

The hotel chain forecasts that an estimated £1.7 million could be brought into Twickenham’s local economy once the hotel starts its operation. Travelodge’s own research has also revealed that hotel guests normally spend £36 per day in nearby restaurants and shops during their stay.

Paul Harvey, the managing director of the Travelodge project, said that the town of Twickenham currently has no budget hotels. He believes that the new Travelodge will be a good addition to the town and will help encourage travellers to visit the town. Harvey said that work will begin this summer and is likely to be completed by autumn 2011.

But many Twickenham residents gave Travelodge’s project the cold shoulder. With Travelodge utilising the old office building of Regal House, many refer to the hotel as ‘a carbuncle on an already ugly building’. However, Conservative candidate Deborah Thomas said that she is delighted with the fresh jobs that will be created from the hotel project. Travelodge is planning to hire about 30 staff for the hotel in Twickenham.