Former Brewers Fayre restaurant in Elgin could be demolished for Premier Inn extension as firm submits plans to Moray Council
A major hotel chain is hoping to extend its current Elgin location by demolishing a now-closed restaurant.
Premier Inn wants to add an additional 20 bedrooms to its existing site on Linkwood Way to increase its total capacity to 135 rooms.
To do so, Whitbread, which owns Premier Inn, is seeking to knock down the former Brewers Fayre restaurant next to the hotel.
The company announced its plans to close more than 200 of its branded restaurants, including Elgin’s Brewers Fayre, in 2024.
The move came as the firm opted to focus on expanding its hotel business.
More than a year later, Whitbread says its plans to expand its Elgin location are as a result of efforts to meet demand for hotel rooms locally.
Planning documents state: “Premier Inn has identified demand for additional hotel accommodation in this location.
“It is also acting to reconfigure the guest amenities proposition to ensure it best fits the needs of customers.
“This proposal for additional bedrooms would meet Premier Inn's operational requirements and address demand for its offer.”
If consented, the development in Elgin will come with an increase to the number of parking spaces from 151 to 171.
The extension will include a breakfast room on the ground floor for hotel guests with seating for up to 81 people.