New bid to persuade Rotherham Council over Premier Inn plan

Whitbread says its plans for a Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre pub could bring 60 new jobs.

But the council said in March that it should look at more suitable sites in the town.

The firm looked at 30 other sites, but has concluded that Phoenix Riverside is the only one suitable.

Kevin Murray, Whitbread’s senior acquisition manager, said: “Having analysed the market in Rotherham, our research tells us that the only viable format for Premier Inn in the town is a standalone hotel and Brewers Fayre restaurant. 

“This is what we are proposing at Phoenix Riverside, and it is the only site in the town that allows us to accommodate visitors to Magna, the town centre and the football stadium — all of the other possible sites in Rotherham are either the wrong size or location or are financially unviable.

“We are committed to Phoenix Riverside and ready to invest and create jobs, but are left in the difficult position of having to walk away from the town should our application be unsuccessful. 

“It is simply the only site that works for us.”

But the council planning report says the plans should be rejected as two other locations — the car park at the New York Stadium/Guest & Chrimes site and the spot currently occupied by Liquid & Envy — were preferable and closer to the town centre.

Now Whitbread bosses will try to convince councillors to back their plans at a planning meeting on Thursday.