Premier Inn speaks out on car parking

Premier Inn and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council agreed, in principle, to the sale of the Beaconsfield Car Park in July last year.

The firm had unveiled artist’s impressions of the new facility in February, but have made alterations to those following a public information event at the Promenades Shopping Centre.

Kevin Murray, head of acquisitions (North) for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said he acknowledged residents’ concerns on parking, but said that there were sufficient facilities in Bridlington to accommodate this.

He said: “People were very welcoming of the plans and supported the layout of the site and the conservative design of the building. Many residents also expressed a desire to work with us, which is always rewarding to hear. In total, 87 per cent of the respondents that filled in a comment form backed our scheme.

“Car parking was the one issue where people expressed reservations. Our proposals will redevelop a council-owned car park, so I can understand the concerns, and we looked into the issue in a great level of detail as part of our application.

“Our analysis tells us that though some public car parking spaces will be lost at Beaconsfield, there are sufficient spaces across Bridlington to absorb demand, including in the busy summer months. A number of nearby car parks, such as at Flamborough Road, have especially good capacity. Based on this detailed analysis I am confident our proposals will not have an effect on the availability of spaces for day visitors or for customers of adjacent hotels.

“I know we will deliver a top quality development in Bridlington. Based on our experience of Premier Inn hotels at similar seaside locations, I’m expecting the Bridlington Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre restaurant to be busy all year round. We are keen to invest in the town and with our application now with the council, I’m looking forward to the next stage of our application later this Spring.”

The hotel chain says the £7m venture will bring 45 new, permanent jobs to the town, and the East Riding Council said the development will attract conference business to the Spa Royal Hall.

And leader of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Cllr Stephen Parnaby, OBE, added: “We are delighted to have found a national, high-quality brand for Bridlington.

“A national brand hotel would complement the existing guest accommodation in Bridlington to bring even more tourists and conference visitors to the town for the benefit of local shops and services.

“Such inward investment and job creation is part of our overall regeneration strategy for Bridlington.”