A NEW taxpayer-funded hotel could be on the way for Fareham, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Fareham Borough Council has revealed that it will work with Travelodge to build a new hotel in the borough.

Following talks with property bosses at the chain yesterday, council leader Sean Woodward says the chain has now committed.

It will start searching for a suitable site for an 80-bed hotel which could create between 40 and 50 jobs.

He added: “It’s important for an area like Fareham that there is a good hotel offering.

“We have a shortage of hotel beds in the town and Travelodge will help give the town an economic boost.”

Under the plans, the council will either fund the construction and lease the premises to Travelodge upon its completion, or sell it completely to the chain.

It forms part of Travelodge’s expansion plans in Hampshire which will see it open new hotels in Lymington, Winchester, Southsea, Gosport, Portsmouth and Hedge End, pumping millions of pounds into the economy.

A Travelodge spokesperson, said: "Currently, we are looking for a site in and around the Fareham area, with no site yet identified."

Peter Gowers, Travelodge chief executive, added: “More and more local authorities are under pressure to find ways to help regenerate their historic town centres and local communities.

“Adding a low-cost hotel like Travelodge is an increasingly attractive choice, as it draws visitors, creates jobs and helps boost the local economy.

“Our customers are travelling more frequently and we are opening new hotels to ensure we are in locations where they want to be.”

If the plans are approved, the proposed hotel would join a new 84-bedroom Premier Inn, set to replace derelict offices at the rear of Fareham Shopping Centre.