New hotel to open in Peterhead within months

A north-east councillor says the arrival of a budget hotel chain to the region’s biggest town will rejuvenate the area.

Travelodge is set to open its doors in Peterhead’s Chapel Street early next year and could bring £2million into the local economy.

Work began clearing out vacant properties in the town centre street earlier this year.

Ten new sites were announced across Scotland last year, including Peterhead, as part of an expansion programme.

They believe the 120-room guest house will bring millions of pounds of revenue into the area as well as creating 16 new jobs.

Councillor for Peterhead North and Rattray Alan Gardiner has been liaising with the hotel firm throughout the process.

“When the scaffolding is removed, which has been there for years, it will transform the street,” he said.

And Travelodge chief executive Peter Gowers said there were big opportunities to expand in Scotland.

“At present, the value hotel market in Scotland stands at 14% compared to 18% in England and more than 30% in the US.

“By 2030, the budget hotel sector could account for almost a quarter of the UK market, with a similar level of growth expected in Scotland.”