COLCHESTER'S newest hotel has opened its doors with a new entertainment venue just around the corner as the exciting Northern Gateway project continues to progress.

The Travelodge site is now open after months of work preparing it for residents.

The hotel boasts 90 rooms over four floors, with a mix of double, family and accessible rooms.

Gazette: Outside - View of the Travelodge from outside the buildingOutside - View of the Travelodge from outside the building (Image: Credited)

The site also features Travelodge’s Bar Café restaurant and on-site parking.

It will be celebrating with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony next month with many big names from the company due to attend.

Gazette: Dining - Where those who are having food whilst staying at the hotelDining - Where those who are having food whilst staying at the hotel (Image: Credited)

On the opening, a spokesman for Travelodge said: “We are pleased to be open for business at Colchester Northern Gateway, which is our first Travelodge in the city of Colchester.

“This 90-room hotel features our brand-new look and feel design, and also features an on-site restaurant.

"We are excited to have started welcoming our first guests.” 

Gazette: Drinks - The bar area has a nice modern feel to it with an urge to grab a drinkDrinks - The bar area has a nice modern feel to it with an urge to grab a drink (Image: Credited)

Just opposite the Travelodge site is the new entertainment hub Hollywood Bowl.

The new £5.5million entertainment centre will be giving visitors a taste of modern LA when it opens its doors.

Gazette: Hollywood Bowl is due to open in the coming weeksHollywood Bowl is due to open in the coming weeks (Image: Steve Brading)

The complex is set to feature 27 ten-pin bowling lanes split over two floors, including four luxurious VIP lanes and two mini golf courses.

It has been spotted on social media the new site is due to open on Friday, June 21.

The newest openings are part of the continuing multi-million pound Northern Gateway project from developers Turnstone Estates.

Mile End councillor Martin Goss said: “It’s good investment for hotel development in Colchester. Recent statistics show that we do not have enough hotels in the area.

“It is another way to bring people to the area and to spend money in Colchester.”

Gazette: Colchester Council leader David KingColchester Council leader David King (Image: Steve Brading)

Council leader David King echoes this, saying: "It is great news that another new hotel has taken to Colchester. It provides another source of employment in the local area.”

“It marks a further development in the northern gateway site and a step closer to seeing it completed.”

Colchester residents have also shared their excitement ahead of the new openings.

In response to a previous Gazette story on the Northern Gateway project on Facebook, residents commented their thoughts.

Mike Drury said: “It looks a very impressive facility on the edge of the city.”

“Jobs, entertainment and much needed investment in the city," added Darren Goodwin said.

Other restaurant brands due to open on the site include Slim Chickens, Kervan Kitchen, El Guaca Mexican restaurant, Kaspa’s desserts, Joyato sushi and grill, buffet company Nines and Taste of Italy.

Martin Goss is standing as a parliamentary candidate for Colchester in the upcoming General Election. He will be standing against James Cracknell (Con), Pam Cox (Lab), Sara Ruth (Grn) and Terence Longstaff (Reform UK).