TRAVELODGE is planning to open a second hotel in Worcester, which would create 25 new jobs in the city.

As part of a West Midlands expansion project, the budget accommodation chain has invested £30million and today opened branches in Walsall and Solihull.

And despite the uncertainty and economic pressures caused by Brexit, Travelodge bosses have announced it is actively looking for five further sites in the region.

Worcester – which already has a Travelodge in Cathedral Square – is amongst a wish list also containing two in Coventry, one in Wolverhampton and one in Edgbaston/Selly Oak.

Collectively, this West Midlands expansion programme represents an investment of £30 million for third party investors and will create 125 new jobs.

For Worcester, that equates to a proposed investment of £6million.

Hannah Thomson, Travelodge people director, said: “Worcester has been selected as its heritage attractions, its arts and entertainment venues and of course its natural beauty attracts record business and leisure travellers.

“However, the city has a shortage of great quality and good value accommodation.

“Therefore, to meet growing consumer demand, we are actively looking for the ideal site to open our [second] Travelodge in Worcester.

“It will also support the local economy as Travelodge customers spend double their room rate with local businesses during their stay which equates to a multi-million annual spend,” she added.