Chester's former Mecca Bingo on Union Terrace will operate as an Ibis Styles hotel.

In 2024, Cheshire West and Chester Council approved plans to create a 144-bed hotel and restaurant in the former bingo site, bordered by Union Terrace and St Oswalds Way.

Set to welcome guests from 2028, the first stage of construction on the 144-bed hotel started in December last year.

Ibis Styles - described as Accor's design-led economy brand, features a bar, restaurant and social spaces - with a network that spans 58 countries and more than 76,000 rooms.

Examples in the region include Manchester Portland Street and Liverpool Dale Street.

Expected to create 80 full-time jobs once operational, developer TAG Chester has claimed the seven-storey scheme will increase the range of options available to some of Chester's 14m annual tourists and boost the visitor economy.

Built in 1931, the existing building on Brookdale Place was originally the Gaumont Cinema, before being later repurposed as a bingo hall in 1970.

"Hotels are critical elements of city centre regeneration projects," said Luke Averill, founder of TAG Developments.

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"We know that in Accor we have found the right partner to drive and convert demand to this exciting new development.

"The hotel will be an important part of the Chester city gateway and will help bring a new vibrancy to this important area of the city."