Hertfordshire-based construction group Willmott Dixon has been appointed to build a new £10m hotel at London Southend Airport, which is due to open ahead of the 2012 Games.

The Leach Rhodes Walker-designed five-storey property will comprise 129 bedrooms and will feature a restaurant and a private dining room on the top floor. Stobart Group, the logistics and transport provider, operates London Southend Airport and aims to provide facilities for passengers, business users and restaurant diners.

Airport managing director Alastair Welch said: "This hotel will greatly improve facilities for passengers, as well as pilots and flight crew using the airport." Willmott Dixon hotel sector manager Tim Wheeldon added: "This hotel is a considerable investment and reinforces Stobart Group's plans to develop the airport."