A NEW 60-room hotel could open in a prominent location, next to a landmark pub, in time for the Commonwealth Games.

The Whitbread chain has submitted plans for the two-storey Travel Inn by The Beehive in Horwich.

And, wasting no time, a spokesman said the company hoped to have the hotel open as soon as November if councillors approve the plan.

That means the hotel will be ideally placed to capitalise on the expected visitor bonanza during next summer's Games.

The badminton event will be just down the road at Middlebrook's Bolton Arena, while Rivington plays host to road cycling and mountain biking events.

But it is the Travel Inn's proximity to both the M61 and the Reebok Stadium which those behind the hotel plan believe will ensure its long term success.

The Travel Inn spokesman said: "It is perfectly placed for us. I don't think the Commonwealth Games was that bigger factor in deciding to build the hotel there, but it's obviously a bonus."

The hotel will be located over part of the existing car park and an outdoor play area. Replacement car parking will be created using scrub land at the rear of the pub.

The existing Wacky Warehouse indoor children's play centre will remain. The hotel is part of major expansion plans by Travel Inns and rooms are expected to cost £49.95 a night.

The proposed hotel is the latest illustration of how attractive the area around Middlebrook is proving to the hospitality industry.

The £12 million, 125-room De Vere Whites Hotel was opened at the Reebok last October, adding to the 64-room Holiday Inn in Arena approach which cost £1.5 million. Whitbread have declined to reveal the value of their Beehive/Travel Inn scheme.