A NEW chain budget hotel has opened in Braintree with its backers claiming to will be a multi-million pound boost to the town's economy.

Travelodge have announced their latest venue has opened up in close to the High Street and Braintree's railway station.

Braintree resident and Travelodge boss Steve Bennett was joined by Braintree Council Chairman Sue Wilson and housing boss Kevin Bowers to officially open the new hotel.

The hotel is located in the town centre and it is the first branded budget hotel to come to Braintree.

The 70-room hotel features an on-site restaurant called The Bar Café and an on-site car-parking has created 20 new jobs.

The hotel was developed and funded by Braintree Council who has leased the hotel to Travelodge.

The hotel is part of a local regeneration scheme which involved converting an existing old car and bus park into 35 residential apartments, a health centre, twin level car park and Braintree's first Travelodge hotel.

The scheme also includes retail units and a new bus interchange.

Braintree Travelodge features family, double and accessible rooms from £32.

Steve Bennett, Travelodge Chief Property and Development Officer said: “As a local resident I am delighted to kick start our 2022 new hotel openings programme by opening our first hotel in my home town, Braintree.

“Braintree Travelodge is centrally located and will certainly help attract new business and leisure visitors to the area.

"This is great news for the local economy as research shows our customers will spend on average double their room rate with local businesses during their stay, which equates to a multi-million pound boost into the local economy.”

Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Skills, Kevin Bowers added: “It’s wonderful to see the new Travelodge finished and open to visitors.

"It’s centrally situated, next to the new bus interchange and within walking distance of the local museum, shops and train station.

“Our investment and partnership with Travelodge is creating jobs, attracting visitors and generating trade for local shops and businesses.

"This will benefit our town centre and our community for many years to come.”