A new Travelodge hotel is set to open in Upminster with more than 80 rooms.

The budget hotel chain, which runs more than 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland, and Spain, has announced that it has exchanged contracts for a site in the town.

Planning permission was previously granted to transform 11 Station Road into a new 82-room hotel along with new retail units on the ground floor - although the hotel chain's identity was unknown at the time.

The plans, which were approved on appeal by a planning inspector, generated some opposition.

Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez said at the time she was "disappointed" at the decision, while one resident said: "It's disgraceful. I don't think the town has ever had a hotel and I don't see why we need one now."

Travelodge confirmed the Upminster hotel is set to open in early 2026.

Tony O’Brien, UK development director at Travelodge, said that the chain is "delighted" to open "the first branded budget hotel" in Upminster.

It will be Travelodge's second site in the borough, with its other in Romford.

He said: "Works have now commenced to build our new Travelodge hotel in Upminster town centre, which will provide excellent quality and great value accommodation.

"It will attract thousands of new business and leisure visitors each year, who will spend hundreds of thousands of pounds in local shops, restaurants, cafes and attractions."

Travelodge has agreed a 25-year lease with the developer London Iron Works, who acquired the site with the aim of delivering a new mixed-use development in Upminster town centre.

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Property advisers Strettons acted on Travelodge’s behalf to identify the opportunity and agree terms with London Iron Works.

Daniel Harris, director of London Iron Works Developments Limited, said: "We are excited to build Travelodge’s new hotel in Upminster and help the company to continue to expand its portfolio of hotels in London.

"The new hotel will support the visitor economy in Upminster and bring economic benefits to the borough, something we are very proud of."

Chris Collins, agency director at Strettons, added that the company looks forward to "continuing to assist Travelodge with its significant growth plans in London".