Eagerly-awaited plans for a new £5 million hotel are to go on show.

Premier Inn logo The hotel giant will reveal its vision to transform the Shepherds Hotel site at Cockermouth tomorrow.

If approved, the proposals for an 80-bedroom hotel and Brewers Fayre restaurant would create up to 50 jobs.

And Premier Inn executives, who have a long-held desire to get a foothold in the Lake District, believe the development would boost the area’s economy not just through jobs but by drawing more visitors to the area.

Nick Johnston, acquisition manager for the chain’s parent company Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, is leading the scheme, which he says is being fuelled by an increase in demand for rooms in the area.

He said: “Our business is evolving as it grows. Our customers are increasingly using Premier Inn hotels for family and leisure breaks and are keen for more bedrooms in the north west.

“Cockermouth is an excellent new location for Premier Inn customers and I’m positive our proposed hotel will encourage many more people to visit the town and experience the surrounding areas.”

The Brewers Fayre, the firm says, will have space for 200 covers. There will be a 120-space car park.

Premier Inn, which is also pursuing plans for a hotel in Penrith town centre, say the design of the Cockermouth scheme would be “in keeping with the local environment”.

It would see the current building, on Egremont Road, demolished and replaced with a “bespoke hotel and restaurant”.

Designs will go on show in an exhibition at the Kirkgate Centre between 3pm and 7pm tomorrow. Project team members will also field questions.

After analysing comments, a planning application is expected to be lodged with Allerdale council later this year.

Mr Johnston added: “We take time to design high-quality hotel buildings that suit their surroundings and invest heavily in staff training, development and progression. We’re proud of the benefits we bring to communities and I’m certain our hotel will make a positive and long-term contribution to the success of the town.”

Premier Inn already has hotels in Carlisle and Whitehaven.

Details on the Cockermouth plans will be available on online at www.premierinncockermouth.co.uk from tomorrow.