Hotel chain wants to move into Matlock

Premier Inn has expressed an interest to purchase the land in front of Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Arc Leisure.

The chain, which is owned by Whitbread, has opened negotiations with the authority to build a 50–bed hotel, complete with restaurant and associated parking.

Premier Inn has asked the council, which owns the land, to agree to a six–months’ exclusivity period to allow time for board approval and to complete ground surveys and draw up legal requirements.

The company has offered £400,000 for the site, which is the same amount the council borrowed towards the overall cost of the £12million Arc Leisure Matlock, pending the eventual sale of the land.

John Bates, head of acquisitions UK and Ireland for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: “Premier Inn is one of the UK’s most successful businesses.

“We have over 53,000 Premier Inn bedrooms across the country and are targeting 75,000 UK bedrooms by 2018.

“We are keen to expand in the Peak District and are looking at a number of opportunities to invest, and create jobs, in the Matlock area.”

The site was used by contractors as a base during the building of Arc in 2010 and 2011. Prior to that it was a car park and community centre.

Councillors will discuss Premier Inn’s offer at a meeting of the council’s community committee tonight (October 17).

The Mercury will feature a letters special on the subject of Premier Inn’s bid in next week’s issue. Send you letters to [email protected] or Matlock Mercury, Spire Walk, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 2WG.