Partner Article

Boom time for Tyneside hotels

AN INTERNATIONAL developer has won planning permission for a £20m hotel in Newcastle creating 80 jobs in the city.

The famous Eagle Star House building, in Fenkle Street, was chosen as a prime city-centre location.

The Hotel Indigo group, who are behind the project, are part of the world chain InterContinental Hotels – which operates in Shanghai, China, New York and the Greek capital Athens.

The new 148-bed, four-star complex, next to Newcastle’s Assembly Rooms, is expected to create 80 jobs for local workers.

Meanwhile, new hotel occupancy figures have revealed a strong growth in the demand across Newcastle and Gateshead.

In June, July and August, statistics show that 78% of hotel rooms were occupied in Newcastle city centre and quayside locations.

In addition, September 2010 saw 83% of the city centre and quayside hotel rooms occupied – the highest September occupancy rate for five years, a boosthelped by the influx of visitors taking part in the 30th Great North Run.

Sarah Stewart, interim chief executive at destination marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “This is a timely indication that despite the inevitable impact of the economic spending review, it’s not all doom and gloom.

“NewcastleGateshead is experiencing strong hotel occupancy figures and despite a less than temperate summer we have attracted a growing number of visitors to stay in the city – for short breaks, cultural and sporting events and to attend business meetings, events and conferences.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .