Developer pins hopes on converting disused bowling alley into budget hotel

Gregory Projects Ltd will submit a planning application on January 17 with proposals to develop the decaying site into a four-storey, 78-bedroom hotel, including a restaurant and gym, by Easter 2013.

Budget hotel chain Travelodge has already agreed terms to lease the hotel and restaurant over a 25-year term.

Richard Tovey, development director at Gregory Projects, which is based in Leeds, told the Yorkshire Post: “The bowling alley on Tower Street closed down in July 2009 and the site owner had been unable to attract another occupier despite a thorough marketing campaign.

“Over this period the buildings deteriorated and are now a bit of an eyesore.”

Mr Tovey added: “We are pleased to have acquired the site based on the support of Travelodge which has given us the confidence to progress an exciting new leisure attraction for the area.”

Residents are invited to view and discuss the plans at the Tap and Spile pub on Tower Street between 3pm and 7pm on January 5.