Premier Inn work in Thurso to start 'in next few months'
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WORK on the new Premier Inn in Thurso is due to start "in the next few months" after a delay caused by what has been described as contractual negotiations.
A spokesman for the developers said: "We can confirm that work will start on site after the conclusion of contractual negotiations with the principal special earthworks contractors and construction contractors.
"It is anticipated that this activity will be concluded in the next few months. In advance of work starting on site, the site owners will inform all relevant parties including the community council."
The project was expected to get under way in spring.
Whitbread – owner of Premier Inn – gained planning permission for an 81-bed budget hotel at the former auction mart site in the town's Ormlie Road.
Caithness hoteliers and other accommodation providers claimed it would affect trade and result in local job losses while supporters have said it will boost tourism and greatly improve an "eyesore" site.
Whitbread applied for a three-storey hotel with landscaping and car parking.
The development represents a multimillion-pound investment and is expected to create around 30 jobs. The hotel will be the most northerly Premier Inn in the UK.
The site was owned by Tesco, which planned to build a new supermarket, but the project was later scrapped. In 2015, the company sold the land to London and Scottish Investments.
It was then purchased by a private investor who is looking at other uses for the rest of the site.
