HOTEL chain Travelodge have checked out a number of locations in Greenock for a new premises – including along the waterfront, the Tele can reveal.

Company bosses announced in May last year that Inverclyde is among the towns they are looking at as part of an £84 million expansion across the UK.

Officials have now identified sites they are interested in and are locked in talks with landowners.

The Tele understands that a space at Victoria and East India harbours, pictured, is one of the locations on their list.

The area is already home to the £2m Tail O’ the Bank Hungry Horse pub-restaurant, which opened last year, and the Beacon Arts Centre.

Regeneration officials from Inverclyde Council and Riverside Inverclyde have made the redevelopment of the harbourside a top priority.

A spokesman for Travelodge was tight-lipped about plans but did confirm that a number of locations are being considered.

He said: “We are still looking for a site in Greenock.

“We have identified some and are currently in negotiations with people.”

Travelodge want to capitalise on Greenock’s booming cruise liner traffic.

More than 100,000 passengers are expected at the Ocean Terminal in 2016 for the second year in a row.

As well as bringing investment to the area, a new Greenock Travelodge would also create 20 jobs.

But Depute Provost David Wilson believes the chain would be better off making a move into Port Glasgow.

Mr Wilson said: “The town really needs a hotel and a Travelodge would be absolutely superb.

“The Premier Inn in Greenock has had an extension and the Holiday Inn seems to be busy so there’s a demand there for hotel rooms in Inverclyde.

“Given that there are three hotels currently in Greenock it seems appropriate to have one in Port Glasgow.

“The restaurants and retail offering in Port Glasgow is improving and a Travelodge would be a great addition.”