What's Happening?
Whitbread plc, the UK's largest hospitality business and owner of Premier Inn, has committed to opening a second Premier Inn hotel in Bath city centre after signing an agreement for lease with Frank Capital for a prominent development site on Lower Bristol Road, BA2. The former Beazer House office building, currently vacant, will be demolished to make way for a new six-storey, 68,000 sq ft Premier Inn hotel. The latest-format hotel will feature 152-bedrooms alongside an on-site restaurant and bar on the ground floor. Located within a 10-minute walk of Bath Spa railway station and the city's iconic Roman Baths, the site is ideally positioned to attract Premier Inn's leisure guests.
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Why It's Important?
The new Premier Inn hotel in Bath City Centre represents a strategic expansion for Whitbread, enhancing its footprint in a key tourist destination. This move is expected to boost local tourism and provide affordable accommodation options for visitors, contributing to Bath's economy. The development aligns with Whitbread's sustainability programme, Force For Good, aiming for a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and operation solely on electricity generated from renewable sources. This reflects the growing trend in the hospitality industry towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
What's Next?
Construction of the new hotel is expected to begin in early 2026, with the hotel targeted to open in 2028. Upon completion, it will expand Premier Inn's presence in Bath City Centre to two hotels and more than 250 affordable bedrooms. Whitbread's ongoing expansion of Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn in the UK and Ireland is part of its strategy to grow its hotel network to 125,000 rooms. The company currently offers its customers a choice of 850 locations, and more than 85,000 bedrooms.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of the new Premier Inn hotel in Bath City Centre highlights the increasing importance of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. Whitbread's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and operating on renewable energy sources sets a precedent for other companies in the sector. Additionally, the strategic location of the hotel near major tourist attractions underscores the role of accessibility in attracting leisure guests, which is crucial for maximizing occupancy rates and revenue.
