Regeneration Specialist and Hotel Developer Announce Joint Initiative at MIPIM 2008, Cannes.

 Regeneration specialist, Priority Sites has joined forces with hotels developer Starboard Hotels to deliver an ambitious £18 million development project in Gateshead.

The companies announced their collaboration at the international real estate convention, MIPIM in Cannes this week.

The joint planning application for the scheme will be submitted in April.  This will be the first initiative undertaken with a hotel developer by the English Partnerships and Royal Bank of Scotland owned Priority Sites, who are known for delivering key regeneration projects across England, working with regional development agencies and urban regeneration companies.

The proposed Gateshead site, on Hawks Road, is adjacent to the Sage Music Centre and Millennium Bridge, and currently houses old industrial units.  Priority Sites plan to develop a high grade 40,000 sq. ft office park, while Starboard Hotels are working with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to secure a franchise agreement to operate a 70,000 sq. ft, 202 bedroom Holiday Inn Express hotel. 

David Carr, Chief Executive of Priority Sites comments: “This is a unique opportunity to partner, for the very first time, a company who will provide a complementary product to our own. This scheme will mirror the kind of progressive developments that are being established across the Tyne, and will make a significant contribution to what is already an up-and-coming part of the region.

“Priority Sites has recognised a need in this area for the kind of business accommodation that will play a crucial role in attracting inward investment, while enabling local companies to expand in order to sustain and encourage employment. “

Paul Callingham, Managing Director of Starboard Hotels adds: “We are very pleased to be partnering the UK’s leading regeneration specialist in the delivery of this project. The wider development of the area will bring demand for affordable, quality hotel accommodation, and it is this demand that the hotel is seeking to satisfy, working with IHG’s Holiday Inn Express. It will be a crucial amenity supporting the wider economic development of the Gateshead area, and will directly employ around thirty people.”

It is anticipated that subject to planning, the development may commence construction later this year, with the intended completion date of both the hotel and office accommodation set for early 2010. 

Please click here to go back

Please click here to read the full case study.