TOURISM in Bridport looks set to receive a massive boost with the building of a new 60-room hotel.

Plans are well underway for the Travelodge group, owned by Dubai International Capital, to open a new, purpose-built operation on the site of the old Mountjoy School once it has closed in Flood Lane and moved to its new building in Beaminster, which is due to take place in 2012.

The budget hotel would certainly attract many new holidaymakers to the area and offer accommodation to business visitors to West Dorset.

As well as this, a hotel of this size, open all year, would give a much-needed boost to local job and training prospects at a time when these are in short supply throughout the whole region.

The whole plan would give a huge lift to the local economy but is certain to attract opposition from many.

It is understood that a formal planning application is to be made in the fairly near future.

Editor’s Note: Travelodge is the fastest growing budget hotel chain in the country with over 390 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Comments have been sought from Travelodge, Dorset County Council (who own Mountjoy) and West Dorset District Council (who would deal with a planning application), and this story will be updated. (Snow is delaying some matters). PLEASE SEE BELOW!

If you’d like to comment, please do.

UPDATED December 21, 2010: 

Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services Toni Coombs said: ”At present we have no plans to sell the Mountjoy School site. It will be at least 18 months before the school moves.

“We are assessing the use of the site, but this needs to be done in relation to our provision of services for older people in the area.

“Our priority is building the new school in Beaminster and giving Mountjoy pupils the brand new facilities they desperately need and deserve.”