DEVELOPMENT has begun on a new 74-room Travelodge in Faringdon.

GSC Estates has begun work on Phase 2 of Faringdon Park, next to the existing Waitrose, Aldi and Costa.

The new development, funded by Aviva Investors, is set to consist of a three storey scheme with the budget hotel above a 15,000 sq ft Home Bargains store.

Travelodge's UK Development Director Tony O’Brien explained that the chain's eighth hotel in the county would feature 'premium economy rooms', 'SuperRooms' and an onsite restaurant.

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At the ground-breaking ceremony earlier this month, the Mayor of Faringdon, Cllr Mike Wise, the Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Cllr Judith Heathcoat (who is also County Councillor for the Faringdon Division) marked the commencement of construction, with a target completion date of July next year.

Mayor Mike Wise added: “It’s really exciting to see another first for Faringdon further underlining Faringdon’s importance as a destination.

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"The town is rapidly growing and new facilities such as this gives more reason for businesses to really consider relocating to our Town.

"I look forward to watching this development take shape.”

Phase 2 is being built by Soldi, for GSC Estates, with 40 full and part time jobs being created.

Bethia Thomas, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We’re particularly pleased that funds raised from the developer will be able to go into investment in the town centre.

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"The hotel brings an additional 40 new jobs on top of the new shops that have moved in already – this will attract more visitors to enjoy Faringdon.”

Councillor Heathcoat added that there was 'ample' parking and said: “It is great to see the creation of further hotel facilities, hopefully increasing Faringdon’s attractiveness to new SME businesses that the town wants to attract to drive commerce, increase employment, and spread prosperity, ”