Ambitious hotel and leisure complex planned for West Bromwich

The four-storey building has been earmarked for empty land opposite New Square Shopping Centre on the corner of Cronehills Linkway and Congregation Way.

Developers behind the build, Whitbread Plc, say it will be a 'prominent leisure offer' and 'economic driver' for the area.

Councillor Bawa Dhallu, who represents the West Bromwich Central ward, hailed the development as good news for the region.

He said: "It will be a boost for the region as a whole because jobs will be created and it will bring more people to the town.

"The main thing is that when land is left vacant like this it can attract flytippers dumping rubbish or travellers and in turn that causes the council a lot of trouble, so for a development like this to come it will be welcomed.

"This is good news."

The plans do not name the hotel, but Whitbread are behind budget chain Premier Inn.

The design and access statement for the build says: "The Congregation Way site offers a great opportunity for a prominent leisure offer at the gateway of a new retail hub.

"Benefiting from great transport links, this sustainable site is ideally suited for a new leisure development to serve the new retail core of the town."

Whitbread bosses say they want to ensure the development responds to the changing character and role of the wider area, supports local economy and workforce and provide a positive relationship with local businesses.

Councillor Mohammed Tagger, who represents the West Bromwich Central ward, added: "If it brings jobs to the town then it it could be a good investment for us."

The brownfield land, which is around 0.41 hectares in size, will be one of the last remaining plots to be developed following the opening of New Square in 2013.

The complex will be landscaped with around 58 car parking spaces, six cycle bays and four disability spaces.

The busy A41 runs north of the development which is used as a main route into the town centre.

Next to the site is a Tesco petrol station. The area around it has also seen a high level of investment in commercial development in recent years.

The plans will be discussed by councillors before a final decision is made.