What's Happening?
Whitbread has signed a lease agreement to open a new 152-bedroom Premier Inn hotel in Bath City Centre. The development will replace the vacant Beazer House office building on Lower Bristol Road with a six-story, 68,000-square-foot hotel. The new facility will include an on-site restaurant and bar, and is strategically located within a 10-minute walk of Bath Spa railway station and the Roman Baths. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with the hotel expected to open in 2028. This expansion will increase Premier Inn's presence in Bath City Centre to two hotels, offering over 250 rooms. The project aligns with Whitbread's sustainability goals, aiming for a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and operation solely on electricity from renewable sources.
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Why It's Important?
The expansion of Premier Inn in Bath City Centre is significant for Whitbread's growth strategy in the UK and Ireland. By increasing its hotel offerings in a popular tourist destination, Whitbread aims to capitalize on Bath's annual influx of approximately six million visitors. The project also reflects the company's commitment to sustainability, as it plans to operate the new hotel using renewable energy sources. This move is part of Whitbread's broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions from its direct operations to zero by 2040, highlighting the growing importance of environmental considerations in the hospitality industry.
What's Next?
Whitbread plans to continue expanding its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn networks, with a target to increase its room count from 85,000 to 125,000 across the UK and Ireland. The company will focus on securing strategic locations and implementing sustainable practices in its operations. As construction begins in 2026, stakeholders such as local businesses and tourism operators may anticipate increased visitor traffic and economic activity in Bath City Centre.
