WINDHAM – Following seven years of delays, the developer who will erect Windham’s first large-scale, brand-name hotel has broken ground on the project.

In March, Wells-based Heyland Development cleared the forest on a 7-acre property across Route 302 from Seacoast Adventure on which a 58-room, three-story Microtel Inn & Suites will be built. Last week, the developer began site work, constructing a foundation and parking areas.

Eric Heyland, who owns Heyland Development and the Microtel Inn & Suites in York, said that construction will continue until at least late November, and the Windham Microtel will open by Jan. 1, 2015, at the latest.

“We’re happy to be breaking ground, finally,” Heyland said. “It’s been a long road.”

In January 2013, the Windham Planning Board approved the Windham Microtel. It was not the first time the board gave the project the green light. Heyland approached the town in 2007 with a similar project and received approval at that time, as well. The 2008 financial meltdown affected the project’s financing, according to Heyland. But following the period of “non-business friendly financing,” Heyland said, he is now in a position to move forward with the project.

Local community development officers praised the latest advance in the project.

“It’s been a number of years since the original plan was approved, but the recession happened and everything else happened,” said Tom Bartell, Windham’s economic development director. “It’s great news that this is starting.”

“This is the first branded hotel,” Bartell added. “Windham has lacked hotel rooms, motel rooms, other types of rooms. We have some, but there’s a shortage of them, and we are pleased that this is actually going to happen.”

Aimee Senatore, the executive director of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, said that she has seen high demand for chain accommodations in the past.

“I am thrilled that the project is finally under way and that the area will have another option for lodging,” Senatore said. “Although our area is known and loved for its motels, resorts, inns and bed and breakfasts, we definitely field lots of calls about chain accommodation options. Now that we will have one, I feel the area can offer something for every taste when it comes to tourists and locals alike. Also, more lodging means more people utilizing our local business services, retail shops and restaurants, which is fantastic.”

Peter Gionis, the owner of the Northeastern Motel at 322 Roosevelt Trail, which is about five miles south of the Microtel site, said he is not unduly concerned about the new project.

“I don’t give a damn what they’re doing really,” Gionis said. “I’ve got steady customers. The people that come in here are not going to go there. Really. I’m dead serious.”

Heyland said he plans to expand the hotel, which will feature an indoor pool, to 74 rooms within two years. He said that he expects business to be swift in the coming years, especially with North Windham’s location next to Sebago Lake and Saint Joseph’s College.

“The college will be a driver for us, the boating, the skiing, the snowmobiling, and the business environment,” Heyland said. “We think that we’ll be well.”