Romford will have a new 65-bed hotel above the Quadrant Arcade.

The first, second and third floors of the building will be converted from retail and office space to form the new hotel. The developers previously applied to convert the upper floors into 85 bedsits, which were refused permission.

Officers recommended approval of the new plans subject to a legal Section 106 agreement being signed to include a �10,000 contribution towards environmental improvements in the Market Place.

The officers’ report said: “Members will wish to give consideration to the fact that the upper floor retail floor space has been vacant for at least three years and that this proposal would see the whole building brought back into use.”

At a reulatory services committee on Thursday, May 17, at the town hall in Romford, Cllr Andrew Curtin, cabinet member for culture, towns and communities, said: “The applicants propose a thoughtful and well-researched restoration of the facades of Quadrant Arcade, which is a very appealing Art Deco building, and the removal of features (such as the “Primark” sign) which detract from both the quality of the building itself and the visual appeal of Romford Conservation Area and nearby nationally-listed buildings.

“The applicants propose the welcome restoration of the original neon lighting features on the facade, which will also make a very positive contribution to the variety of historically correct facades in the conservation area.”

He added that the failure to approve applications such as this which have a high conservation value runs the risk of the building becoming neglected and having a negative impact on the area.

The committee voted unanimously in favour of the development.