Accor to open dual-branded hotel in £260m Gateshead development

Hospitality group Accor is set to open a hotel that includes both its Novotel and Ibis brands within the £260m NewcastleGateshead Quays regeneration scheme.

The agreement with Gateshead Council, development partner Ask Real Estate and investment manager Ask:Patrizia will see the dual-branded hotel established on the quayside of the 587,000 sq ft development.

The 172,000 sq ft hotel, designed by AHR Architects, will form a central part of the arena-led, mixed-use scheme on Gateshead's waterfront, which houses a 12,500-capacity international arena, conference and exhibition centre. Vine Hotels will manage the hotels on behalf of the council.

Construction company Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed to deliver the scheme, including the 14-storey hotel, with construction expected to start this spring for an anticipated opening in 2024.

The 187-bedroom Novotel will feature the brand's latest public space and bedroom design concept, due to be launched later this year, in addition to meeting rooms and conference facilities, a gym and restaurant. The Ibis hotel, meanwhile, will have 140 bedrooms and will be the first Ibis-branded hotel in the area and the second ‘new-look Novotel' hotel in the UK.

Philip Lassman, vice-president of development at Accor Northern Europe, said it was an "excellent opportunity" for Accor to "be part of an area which has such strong character and identity". Daniel Williams, head of development for Patrizia UK and Ireland, said the hotel would mean a boost in visitor numbers for Gateshead.

Cushman & Wakefield advised Ask:Patrizia and the council.