AIRPORT HOTEL READY FOR TAKE-OFF
Development to provide on-site accommodation for passengers
Bristol International Airport (BIA) has signed an agreement with Pedersen Airport Hotels for the development of an on-site hotel. The agreement, completed yesterday (30th September), is the first step towards the construction of a hotel of up to 250 rooms adjacent to the terminal building. The proposed hotel would be positioned approximately 100 metres from the terminal building, providing passengers departing on early morning flights or arriving late in the evening with a convenient location for an overnight stay. Facilities will include meeting rooms, a licensed bar and full service restaurant, as well as dedicated car parking. Pedersen expects to select an internationally recognised brand over the course of the next few months. The £20m development will generate around 25 full time equivalent jobs in the construction industry, and lead to the creation of around 140 jobs in total. The on-site hotel will also reduce car and minibus journeys, which are currently made between existing off-site facilities and the airport, and enable passengers with early morning check-in times to arrive the previous day using public transport. BIA is currently the largest airport in the UK without an on-site hotel. The proposed development will meet existing demand from passengers and air crew and provide the airport with a much-needed facility for both the business and leisure markets. The hotel development will also provide overseas visitors arriving on evening flights with convenient and stress-free accommodation on their first night in the UK, enabling them to continue their onward journey to destinations across the South West refreshed the following morning. Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer at BIA, said: “This is great news for passengers, who have highlighted the need for an on-site hotel for a number of years. With passenger numbers now rising again, this agreement further demonstrates our commitment to improving airport facilities and bringing leading brands to the South West. “An on-site hotel will provide a much-needed service for business passengers in particular, and will improve first impressions of the region for visitors who expect such facilities to be available at a successful international airport.” Robert Hodge, Director of Pedersen, said: “We are delighted to have concluded negotiations to work with BIA to develop and operate a first-class hotel which will be located so close to the terminal building. The airport has a great need for this facility and is the largest airport in the UK without an on-site hotel.” The agreement paves the way for the submission of a detailed planning application by the developer within the next six months (this will be submitted separately from the development plans currently with North Somerset Council). Dependent on receipt of the relevant approvals, it is anticipated that the hotel will open in 2012. Pedersen already owns three hotels in Bristol: the Novotel in Victoria Street, the Mercure on Welsh Back and the Ibis at Temple Quay, all in conjunction with Accor. Ends For further information please contact: James Gore, Bristol International Airport 01275 475447 / 07717 896315