Scheme for budget hotel set for approval

Blueprints for the 124-bedroom hotel are expected to be given the go-ahead by councillors after the scheme earmarked for a redundant stretch of land in Layerthorpe has won the backing of York Council’s planning officials. The former gasworks site is close to developments undertaken in recent years to breathe new life into the area around Foss Island Road and Foss Bank.

Tourism chiefs have stressed the need to provide a wide range of hotel accommodation – especially as many travellers are faced with tight budgets amid the economic downturn.

Figures from the tourism body Visit York have revealed that budget hotels account for about 12 per cent of rooms in York. However, the majority of recent hotel developments, including the Cedar Court Grand, which last month became the first in Yorkshire to secure a five star rating, have been aimed at the luxury market.

Visit York’s chief executive Gillian Cruddas said: “Whilst it is good news that new businesses are looking to invest in York’s tourism infrastructure, it is also important to take a long-term view on the mix of York’s accommodation stock.

“Visitors are looking for good value for money; however, they are also looking for something special and different, which is what makes tourism in York such a success. Attracting a mix of different types of accommodation investment is important to consider.”

The plans have been drawn up by Tiger Developments, a London-based company responsible for key schemes around the nation including the Citygate project in Sheffield to build a 120-bedroom hotel and office space. York Council’s planning committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss the planning application.

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