ELLESMERE’S Chamber of Commerce chairman has welcomed the potential application for a new 120-bed hotel and leisure complex at the town’s wharf.
Lincoln McMullan spoke to the Advertizer last week ahead of the town council’s meeting with the applicants which takes place at Shirehall later today (Tuesday).
Councillors have long bemoaned the lack of a hotel in Ellesmere which hosts numerous annual events including the Shropshire triathlon, its food festival, boat festival and the Ellesmere Regatta.
Should it be successful the development would also include a new 188-berth marina as well as cabins and space for touring caravans and a pub and restaurant.
“I think it is a fantastic idea for Ellesmere,” Mr McMullan said. “One thing the town really needs is accommodation.
“Facilities such as a hotel and caravan pitches will keep people in Ellesmere and help boost the local economy,” he added.
The proposed leisure spa building would be home to a swimming pool and fitness suite as well as indoor sports courts, outdoor tennis courts and a bowling green.
A children’s play barn also forms part of the potential development.
Town councillors received a pre-application inquiry for the scheme from the Shrewsbury-based Nigel Thomas Planning Consultancy Ltd earlier this month and were invited to meet with the prospective developers to discuss details further.
Mayor of Ellesmere, Councillor Alan Clarke said: “We will wait until we see the detail of it but the actual idea seems to be pretty marvellous.
“It has the potential to be a fantastic feature on Ellesmere’s landscape and it also has the [potential to generate jobs in the area.
“I am pleased the town council has been invited to discuss the proposal at an early stage.
“It is a positive move and means that any concerns can be addressed at the beginning of the process,” he added.