Travelodge hotel in Norwich being built above former Tesco

Plans for a 91-room hotel, in Chamberlain House in Guildhall Hill, were approved by Norwich City Council in July 2021.

The building, above the former Tesco Express supermarket, will see the empty offices in the Victorian building turned into hotel rooms - representing an £8-10m investment.

Demolition work has started prior to construction on a new Travelodge hotel in Guildhall Hill (Image: Newsquest)

Property consultants Ward Hill Walker have stressed the importance of finding the right contractor to help deal with the "very complex project".

John Walker, consultant surveyor at Ward Hill Walker, said: "It's good news to see progress on the project and we're very pleased that we've now been able to move on to the site.

"We originally planned to start work a little earlier this year, but this is a very complex project.

Travelodge is set to open another hotel in Norwich (Image: PA Wire)

"At its heart is the conversion of a historic Norwich building that's been out of use for many years - into a modern and attractive hotel for the city - so we're taking great care throughout the project.

"The focus throughout is to maintain the style and character of the original building, constructing extensions that are in keeping with that character and all with sustainability at its core.

"We therefore decided to go back out to tender to ensure we get the best value for the exacting standards we have set for the hotel.

"So we expect to appoint a main contractor very shortly and then construction work can start in earnest."

An artist's impression of the hotel, as viewed from Pottergate, from plans approved by Norwich City Council in July 2021 (Image: AWW Architects)

The former Tesco Express closed in May 2022 (Image: Newsquest)

At least 28 new jobs are expected to be created when the new Travelodge hotel opens - with the hope of welcoming the first guests in 2025. 

READ MORE: Fears that yobs plaguing city centre street are scaring people away

Mr Walker added: "It's a very restricted site, which means access for vehicles and plant is challenging.

"Throughout all building work, we'll be working very hard to minimise disruption to residents, retailers and shoppers and no road closures are planned."

History of Chamberlain House

The building was once home to the department store Chamberlins - spelt slightly differently - which was founded by Henry Chamberlin after he arrived in Norwich from Edinburgh in 1815.

It opened the following year and the store expanded along Dove Street, with 120 members of staff.

By the end of the 19th century, the store had departments devoted to millinery, furnishings, carpets and clothing.

Chamberlins in Guildhall Hill during the 19th Century (Image: Newsquest)

Chamberlins manufactured many of the items they sold and in Botolph Street a factory, employing another 800 staff, manufactured their fashion products.

READ MORE: McDonald's decision described as 'smack in the eye' for objectors

However, in 1898 a fire destroyed the original store and today’s building was built.

The store continued to trade in the 1930s and 1940s until the business was taken over in the 1950s by Marshall & Snelgrove, which Debenhams later purchased.

It then became home to the Tesco Express which closed in May 2022 and is being advertised for rent.