AMBITIOUS plans to build a hotel and retail centre at Queen Margaret University cannot go ahead until a new access road is created from the A1.

Developers from the university, which wants to create a business and innovation hub next to its grounds, say no plans can go forward until the junction, which currently only allows entry onto the land from the southbound carriageway is expanded.

And they have revealed they want to turn the current university car park into a hotel and retail outlet, with plans to relocate parking to a nine-acre field behind the university which had initially been earmarked as a car park for rail commuters.

Speaking to Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council Steve Scott, from the university, said hotel operators had already expressed an interest in taking over the new building once complete.

He said: "It all relies on the completion of the junction off the A1. Nothing will go forward until this is done."

The land the university wants to transform into a business centre and new car park is currently owned by Persimmons, who own a huge swathe of land surrounding the campus.

However Mr Scott said the university planned to submit a report to East Lothian Council next month which would make the case for part of the land to be set aside for economic development, rather than housing.

He said: "If it goes ahead as planned and is granted permission we could see significant development on the site within five years."

Queen Margaret University has claimed the business hub, which would centre around Scotland's food and drinks industry, could create up to 13,000 jobs for the county.

There are also plans to introduce a new bus route from Newcraighall through the business park to the university.