Travelodge agrees deal to bowl onto site

A FORMER bowling alley in Harrogate is to be transformed into a hotel and exercise centre.

Gregory Projects has received planning and conservation approvals to transform the dilapidated site in North Yorkshire.  

Harrogate Borough Council has given the green light to the proposals, subject to a number of conditions.  
 
Gregory Projects has secured a deal with Travelodge to operate a 70 bedroom hotel and restaurant and is finalising a legal agreement with a gym operator to take the remaining leisure space on the ground floor and basement. 
 
Richard Tovey, of Gregory Projects, said: “We are very pleased to secure planning approval after an unusually long process. Since the bowling alley closed down in 2009 the buildings have deteriorated to become an eyesore and in desperate need  of redevelopment. 

“We have bought the site with a view to providing facilities that the town needs and at last we can move ahead. 

“We are now working with the planning team to resolve a number of pre-development concerns and look forward to starting on site.”
 
Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director for Travelodge Hotels, said: “This is great news. Our existing Harrogate hotel on Parliament Street performs strongly all year round and we have long been on the look out for a suitable second site.

“The former bowling alley acquired by Gregory Projects is the perfect location for us and we are delighted to be playing a leading role in revitalising Tower Street.”
 
Gregory Projects hopes to be able to start on construction in early summer with a view for completion in summer 2014.  
 
The Leeds office of Colliers International managed the consultation and planning application on behalf of Gregory Projects.