Courtesy: Josh Morris (Digital Staff Writer) | News Source: insidermedia.com

The former site of a landmark office building in Swindon could become home to a 197-bed hotel if plans are approved.

Whitbread and Swindon Borough Council have agreed a deal which would see Aspen House redeveloped as a Premier Inn, with the company investing £17m in an eight-storey building which could employ up to 85.

Paul Smith, acquisition manager at Premier Inn, said:  "This is a fantastic opportunity to invest in an excellently-located town centre site and bring a new Premier Inn hotel and restaurant, around 80-85 jobs and some real momentum to the regeneration plans in Swindon.

"We’re pleased to be playing a part and, subject to planning permission, look forward to starting construction on what will be a superb addition to Swindon’s hotel and leisure offer.

"We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and continuing our excellent track record of working with local authorities to invest and make regeneration happen."

Subject to planning permission, construction could start in summer 2020 with the hotel and restaurant to open in autumn 2021.

Cllr Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for the town centre, said: "Over the next 12 months, residents and businesses will see a visible difference to the Aspen House site with construction starting on a new Premier Inn hotel and Bar+Block steakhouse.

"This deal has been quietly worked on for nearly a year and is hugely positive news for Swindon. It clearly demonstrates that, step by step, we are making real progress in sorting out the regeneration of our town.

"My thanks to the team at Whitbread, Turley and council officers for making this happen. The council is committed to making the town centre a popular and thriving destination."

Whitbread was advised on the deal by planning consultancy, Turley.