PLANS have been submitted for a hotel in St Albans, kick-starting the revival of a neglected part of the city centre.

An application has been submitted for a Premier Inn hotel to be built above the former McDonalds in St Peters Street, in the north end of the city centre.

Over the last year the area has seen as many as six vacant units at one time, following the closure of shops such as Nicolas Wine Shop and Near and Far. It is believed the applicant will bring three vacant shops, including the former fast food restaurant, back into use.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, portfolio holder for planning and conservation at the district council, said: “It’s wonderful news for the city centre and we welcome a large chain being interested.

“However we have to get the design right for the city centre and we will be working with the applicant to achieve this. We also hope they will consider doing something with the vacant shop.

“The emerging core strategy does recognise that we need boutique and three or four star rated hotels, so Premier Inn fits the bill.”

Leader of the council Councillor Julian Daly echoed Councillor Heritage’s views and hoped a hotel would increase footfall in an area where it is currently low.

The council is also working with traders in the top end of St Peters Street and Catherine Street to attract more shoppers, including the introduction of free parking and new signs.

Traders in Catherine Street have been calling for support. Pauline Wilby, Oxfam Books manager, said: “People come up to the of St Peters Street, or some don’t come as far up, and they don’t realise there are shops round the corner.

“We tried to do something ourselves to being people up to the road, but signs are definitely a great help.”

Councillor Martin Leach, Labour party leader at the council, added: “It’s encouraging news that a plan has been submitted to regenerate this area of St Peters Street which has been neglected in recent years.

“In addition to the plans the applicant will be looking to bring several empty shops back into retail use which would really give the area a boost.”

The plans have been submitted to the district council and they will become available on the council's website once they have been validated.