North East developers have revealed images to show how a £50m structure could dominate Newcastle city centre in their latest plans.
Property, leisure and care company Gainford Group, based in Chester-le-Street, last year unveiled plans to create what could become the region’s tallest building at the site of the former Premier Inn on New Bridge Street, Newcastle.
The family firm – which owns bars, hotels and restaurants in the city including the Vermont Hotel, Aveika, Livello and the County Hotel – acquired the building in 2019 for an asking price of at least £3.2m.
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The firm has now altered its original plans to remodel the hotel to include a 37-storey tower combining a five star hotel, private residential apartments, a conference centre and a fitness and health club, along with a number of bars and restaurants.
The company says the mixed-use development could create as many as 500 jobs, including construction jobs and roles needed once it is completed, and it will stand higher than Newcastle’s current tallest building, the 26-storey Hadrian’s Tower.
The Chester-le-Street based family firm said it plans to invest £50m into the scheme, representing its largest investment in the region.
Director Imran Khaliq said: “As the plans stands currently it’s going to be the tallest structure in the North East and it’s our biggest project to date.
“What we’re looking to create is a mixed use development with the top section taken up by a five star hotel, the middle section taken up with residential apartments and the lower levels will have bars and restaurants.
“We’re also looking to create a ground floor conference centre, the biggest in the North East with space for 1,000 delegates.
“Including the building phase and staffing it will create more than 500 jobs.
“We’re still working on the plans and in discussions with the council but these are our proposals. And so long as we gain approval I think we could start on this project next year.”
The company used the lockdown periods to invest in all of its key sites, mainly to increase outdoor space.
Bar Livello now has a two-storey extension, increasing capacity from 350 to 500, its rooftop terrace Above at the Vermont Hotel has also opened, and outdoor areas at The Hudson and Aveika were also improved.
It also unveiled plans for Crescendo, its new bar based in the space between The Vermont Hotel and Moot Hall.
