BUDGET hotel chain Premier Inn has set its sights on a former abattoir for its latest foray into the South Lakeland accommodation market.

A public exhibition is planned for next week for developers to showcase to residents multi-million pound proposals to build a 79-bedroom hotel in Ulverston.

A total of £5m will be spent on the development, including an on-site restaurant, and dozens of jobs will be created.

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Nick Johnston, acquisition manager at Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, who is leading the project, said: “The hotel will unlock a stalled site and contribute to the regeneration of the east of the town.

"Our hotel will help bring thousands of additional visitors to Ulverston throughout the year and we will create approximately 30 new jobs in the local area.

"We’re looking to invest in Ulverston for the long-term and I’m looking forward to displaying our latest plans to residents and members, and hearing their views.”

A planning application for an 88-bedroom hotel with 40 homes in Ambleside has yet to be submitted.

The proposed Ulverston site covers 45,738 sq ft at the former Winder’s slaughterhouse on North Lonsdale Terrace.

James Anderson, from planning advisers Turley, said the exhibition will give locals the chance to view the plans and that it comes after months of engagement with South Lakeland District Council.

He said: "The feedback we have got so far has been very positive. We are in the process of getting designs together and a planning application will be submitted in the coming months."

He added the occupancy rates of Premier Inn hotels stood at around 80 per cent, meaning it could bring thousands more people to Ulverston who will contribute to the local economy.

The future of the abattoir building had been uncertain since the business closed in 2004 with the loss of 35 jobs.

It was the largest slaughterhouse in the South Lakes.

In September 2007 the building was gutted by fire and was described at the time as “an eyesore, a fire risk and an absolute mess”.

Demolition work began in 2009 and the site, bounded to the north by the Ulverston Canal and to the south by North Lonsdale Terrace, now comprises of open concrete yard areas.

It was recently being marketed by Preston-based firm SHP VALUERS for offers in the region of £800,000.

The developers will be showing plans in the foyer of Ulverston Coronation Hall between 2pm-6pm on Thursday (December 3).

Visit www.premierinnulverston.co.uk for more.