THE hotel chain which will open new premises in the middle of Braintree town centre is set to be revealed.

Braintree Council will announce the firm it will work with to deliver a key phase of the multimillion pound Manor Street regeneration scheme during a full council meeting on Monday.

The introduction of a new 70-room hotel forms part of a wider plan to redevelop the Manor Street area in the town, which will also be homes to 35 apartments, a new bus park, shops and Livewell Hub, made up of a chemist and GP surgery.

Despite requests from the Times, the council has remained tight-lipped about which hotel chain will be coming to Braintree, however bosses have confirmed it to be a national brand.

Next week's unveiling will come just weeks after contracts were exchanged between the two parties over a 25-year deal which will see Braintree Council lease out the 70-room hotel to the firm.

A spokesman added: "It is extremely pleasing to have secured this vital part of the Manor Street project.

"Not only will it provide the council with income, it also imports a national brand into Braintree Town Centre, increases the stock of quality hotel accommodation in the district and contributes to the council’s business and tourism ambitions."

It is hoped the finer details of the let contract will be completed later this summer and construction work could begin before the end of the year.

Estimates suggest the council could generate an annual income of £250,000 from the hotel, which is scheduled to be open to the public by autumn 2021.

The new hotel is also expected to add a new dimension to the three year tourism plan unveiled by council bosses earlier this month.

Key to the proposals is the formation of a new partnership between district, town and parish councils, which will work with existing tourism operators to promote the district as a tourist destination.

Further efforts will be made to work with independent tourist information offices in Witham and at Freeport shopping outlet.

A website will be set up outlining what the district has to offer and the partnership will also seek to “utilise” existing assets such as Braintree Town Hall.