Docklands to solve London hotel crisis
By Andrew Sangster
London Docklands is poised to help solve the bedroom crisis in the capital, predicts a report published today, which identifies five sites suitable for hotel development.
The London Docklands Hotel Demand Study states the region covered by the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) could sustain at least 2,600 hotel bedrooms in a development programme between now and 2010.
The two key areas that could meet demand for new hotel accommodation of all tiers are at the Isle of Dogs and Royal Docks.
"There is an immediate need for a budget lodge hotel at the Isle of Dogs and at least two other hotels in that area by 1999," Sunny Crouch, director of public affairs at the LDDC, told Caterer before the launch of the report.
The remaining three sites earmarked for development by the study are at locations close to Canary Wharf. Ms Crouch told Caterer that most of the UK's leading hotel chains had looked at some of the sites.
"We have cheaper land, which is ready for development with planning permission. In addition, the Jubilee line extension means it will take just 17 minutes to get to the West End," she added.
At present there are four hotels in the area - the International Hotel, the Scandic Crown, the Tower Thistle and a Travel Inn at Beckton.
But with space signed up for 18,000 office workers by the end of 1996 in the Canary Wharf development alone, the study predicts rapidly growing demand.
The study was prepared by consultancy Pannell Kerr Forster Associates and property agent Knight Frank & Rutley.
This week's sale of London City Airport to Irish financier Dermot Desmond is also expected to fuel hotel development, as spare land next to the airstrip is brought into use.
- Last week, the London Tourist Board and property agent Christie & Co launched a campaign to stimulate hotel building in less traditional hotel areas in the capital.
A register of up to 50 sites is to be put together by the partners to encourage developers and investors to build the estimated 10,000 new hotel bedrooms needed by 2000.
