By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A new hotel which replaced a derelict listed building has been hailed as a “success story” for Newark.
The Grade II listed former Robin Hood Hotel in Lombard Street in the town has now been replaced with a 66-room Travelodge hotel, which opened in May 2022.
The former hotel was demolished as part of the £6.6m project, with the original façade retained.
Three retail units on the ground floor, which have all been claimed, are also in place.
The Robin Hood hotel closed in 1999 and was left derelict for more than 20 years.
In March 2021, Newark and Sherwood District Council took occupation of the building.
David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said at the authority’s cabinet meeting on July 12: “The Robin Hood was derelict for some years with many ideas stuck up in different development schemes.
“We took on an element of risk and the financial risk has been returned in full.
“We now have the three commercial units, one of which is visibly occupied, with two others waiting to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
“Newark now has a 66-room Travelodge hotel which I know during antiques festivals and others, has been full. There was a proven need and that is therefore an economic investment and not just a revenue investment for ourselves.”
Councillor Paul Peacock, leader of the Labour Group, said: “The outcome of this has been good.
“I didn’t like looking at the old facade of the Robin Hood Hotel, I didn’t understand its heritage value.
“Whilst I am pleased with the hotel, I am cautious of the sustainability of that. For this moment in time it is clearly a positive outcome for the council and the town.”
Councillor Timothy Wendels (Con) added: “The site looks a million times better than it did previously.
“I think it’s a real success story and I am absolutely delighted with this report.”