Posted on 29th Mar
WORK to transform the former Robin Hood Hotel in Newark has been completed.
After the building stood derelict for more than 18 years, Newark and Sherwood District Council, in a joint venture with the land owner, MF Strawson Ltd, intervened through a commitment to once again create a thriving hotel.
The council committed £3.3m — 50% of the total development costs — to complete the development, knowing that on completion the hotel and the commercial space would be sold to an investor and the capital would be returned in full to the authority.
The council said this meant there had been no cost to the local taxpayer.
The Travelodge hotel chain has taken the lease for the 66-bedroom hotel, while 900sq metres of ground floor units, suitable for a variety of uses, are being marketed for commercial tenants.
Coun David Lloyd, leader of the council, said: “From the very offset we have been committed to reopening the infamous Robin Hood Hotel doors to weary travellers. If we had not intervened in this iconic building’s development, we would not be where we are today.
“I am delighted to see the work on such a significant building in Newark now complete, at absolutely no cost to the taxpayer. I know residents are just as keen as I am to see an end to what was a long-standing blight on the town and I am thrilled to see the site restored and come back into use after so many years.
“I extend my thanks to the directors of RHH Newark Limited and the building contractors, Lindum, for forging ahead and making such fantastic progress, despite nearly a year of national restrictions.”
Niel Strawson, director of MF Strawson Ltd, said: “It has been 18 years of hard work and I think the end result not only looks good, but will also be a great asset in the revitalising of the town centre.”
A spokesperson for Travelodge added: “We are delighted to be opening our 569th Travelodge in Newark which is our first hotel in the town and our ninth property in Nottinghamshire. With room rates starting from £29, Newark-on-Trent Travelodge will be a strong magnet for the local economy helping to attract new business and leisure visitors to the area when lockdown restrictions ease.”
