A planning application to build a seven-storey Travelodge hotel behind a pub next to Abbey Wood station has been lodged with Greenwich Council. The proposal includes renovating and expanding the Abbey Arms pub at 31 Wilton Road and creating space for a new coffee shop next door.
Developer changes plans after council talks
Uplift Developments submitted the proposal in June. According to recently released planning documents, the current Abbey Arms publican has “expressed excitement” over the site’s potential redevelopment.
Initial proposals for redeveloping the Abbey Arms site involved demolishing the 19th Century pub and building a six-storey block of 40 flats in its place. Following discussions with Greenwich planners, Uplift decided to retain the boozer in its entirety.
The developer also ditched the residential element because it was “financially very difficult in the current climate” and decided to change to a hotel use because it guaranteed tenancy on completion of the build.
Hotel details and lease agreement
Uplift felt hotel guests would be less concerned about noise from the pub and would be more likely as customers to frequent both the pub and the coffee shop. Following interest from three national hotel operators, Uplift has agreed terms and a 30-year lease with Travelodge subject to planning permission.
The 132-room hotel would be built on an empty patch of land to the rear of the Abbey Arms which is currently used for car parking. The Travelodge would contain a bar and a ground floor seating area capable of accommodating up to 80 guests.
Pub refurbishment and new facilities
As part of the Abbey Arms’ refurbishment, all of the extensions to the original public house building would be demolished and its roof replaced. On its north face, closest to the train station, space for the coffee shop will be built on the side of the existing pub building.
The Abbey Arms would have space for a new games room above the coffee shop as well as a first floor dining area. There are also plans for a new external garden and outdoor seating area as well.
The full planning application can be found on Greenwich Council’s planning portal at reference 26/1686/F.
