The Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council checked out the new ‘Hotel Hollywood’ this week in Dagenham East in the run up to Valentine’s Day.
Councillor Darren Rodwell went to see the new London Dagenham East Travelodge – which is just a stone’s throw away from the site which is set host the Made in Dagenham film studios.
The 78-room hotel, opened this year and is gearing itself up for its first guests in time for Valentine’s Day.
Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s great to see Travelodge and the Costa Coffee drive-thru now open – it’s another sign that Dagenham’s star is rising.
“Just around the corner there will be the UK’s largest data centre and the ground-breaking UCL PEARL research laboratory. And, of course, just a few yards opposite we will have London’s largest film studios for 25 years.
“So, if you’re checking in to London Dagenham East Travelodge in the future, film lovers may be able to catch a glimpse of Hollywood royalty!’’
Cllr Rodwell was also joined by Paul Mathias, District Manager for Travelodge, David Harley from Be First and Jonathan Carkeet from Berkley Square Developments.
The hotel and drive-thru was built by Barnes Construction through a funding agreement with Berkeley Square Developments on behalf of Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration organisation.
Paul Mathias, Travelodge District Manager said: ‘‘As one of London’s largest hotel brands, we are delighted to open our 588th which is also our 77th property in London and our second Travelodge in Dagenham. The central location of this hotel will help attract more business and leisure visitors to the area which is great news for the local economy. As our research shows, customers staying over at a Travelodge hotel will spend double their room rate with local businesses which can equate to an annual boost of nearly £2million.”
David Harley, Head of Regeneration at Be First, said: “With the new Travelodge, UCL Pearl, data centres and film studios, Dagenham will not be solely known for Fords, factories and flyovers.”
Jonathan Carkeet, of Berkeley Square Developments, said: “Berkeley Square Developments are delighted with the opening of the new Travelodge and Costa Coffee development at London East. The scheme has been delivered as a partnership between Berkeley Square Development and Be First, on behalf of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The completed development has regenerated a key part of the former Sanofi facility to create new local employment opportunities, supports inward investment within the area and provides residents with new amenities.”
