The builder has just signed its first new build contract with Travelodge for a £3m hotel in Chichester.

The deal builds on a 7-year framework with the budget hotel chain to refurbish and maintain two and a half thousand rooms nationally.

This job, worth around £7m a year, helped pave the way for Willmott’s recently to earn Travelodge’s supplier of the year award.

Willmott Dixon also hopes to build on its relationship with the Holiday Inn Group after carrying out a job next to Epsom Downs racecourse.

The push into hotels is being masterminded by Tim Wheeldon who joined the firm 18 months ago from the Real Hotel Company.

He said “Budget hotel brands like Travelodge are investing heavily in their estate to ensure they have the coverage and the quality their customers want.

“The Chichester project takes our relationship further with our first project to create a new Travelodge,” he added.

The 76-bed hotel in Chichester City Centre is opposite the famous Cathedral and will be part new build, part refurbishment of a listed façade which is being retained.

The project is due to be completed in November 2010.