A MAJOR hotel chain has announced it will be opening a hotel in Bridgwater.

Mercure Hotel says it estimates it will open in the autumn of 2017.

Sedgemoor District Council said it warmly welcomes the news, and that it understands that on Monday April 25, DC Hotels Bridgwater, signed a franchise aggrement with ACCOR Hotel Group.

There has been visible evidence over the last few weeks has seen the disappearance of the old 'Co-Op' red brick building and other buildings on land by the four-cross way at Eastover/Monmouth Street/St John Street and Broadway.

The demolition of the buildings is due to be completed within the next month and all matters related to the planning permissions are now fully agreed.

Groundworks are due to commence immediately after.

The new hotel will have 100 plus bedrooms with destination restaurant, bar, associated car parking and landscaping.

There would also be two commercial units for either retail, financial and professional services, Restaurant and Café or a hot-food takeaway.

Councillor Anne Fraser, portfolio holder for Economic Growth, said: "I am so pleased with the news that an international hotel chain is investing in Bridgwater.

"This is a huge investment into the District and will completely change the economy of the area, by improving local infrastructure and create 300 new jobs in construction, hospitality and retail sectors.

"Sedgemoor District Council members and staff from Economic Development and Planning work hard behind the scenes to bring this type of investment into the District.

"One of our key priorities is Growth and Infrastructure and this is a prime example of those priorities being put into practice.

Heart of the South West Partnership chair Steve Hindley, which contributed £4.5m to the project from the Growing Places Fund, said: "This hotel is an important amenity that will boost the local economy and generate new jobs following investment and support from the LEP and local authority.

"An international chain has recognised the opportunities in the very strategically placed modern hotel and commercial units, which will be a valuable asset for the area with the forthcoming development of the nearby Hinkley Point C project."

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