2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has signed Crowne Plaza Newcastle -Stephenson Quarter to anchor the emerging business district adjacent to Newcastle Central Station.
Under the leadership of Newcastle-based developer Silverlink, the 251-room hotel will operate under a management agreement with IHG.
Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter will stand at the gateway of a comprehensive regeneration scheme, transforming the 10 acre site into a thriving new business district. Commencement of work on this strategic site represents a successful and professional funding partnership between Silverlink, IHG, Newcastle City Council, Miller Construction and the Local Enterprise Partnership. All parties, along with other stakeholders, have combined to create a resilient funding scheme.
The hotel will boast the largest conference and banqueting space in central Newcastle, leading the way in conference services across the North East. Guests of Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter can also enjoy complimentary access to the Health and Fitness Suite, pool, sauna and gym. The meeting and spa facilities ensure that whether seeking first class conference space or a weekend of leisure, the hotel offers it all.
Situated on a historic site, the soon to be developed Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter is also home to the Boiler Shop warehouse, once used by English civil engineer Robert Stephenson to design and build his pioneering steam locomotive, Rocket.
Located in the city centre, the hotel is well situated for key tourist attractions including the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, the Sage Music Centre, St James’ Park, which is home to the beloved Newcastle United football club, Metro Radio Arena Newcastle, the largest concert and exhibition venue in the North East of England and the retail districts of Northumberland Street and Eldon Square.
IHG’s Chief Development Officer Europe, Robert Shepherd, said: “We are delighted to sign a new Crowne Plaza hotel which will anchor Newcastle’s newest business district. To be at the heart of Newcastle’s strategic regeneration, delivering a great new hotel and to be creating economic growth, providing employment and training opportunities, is something we are very proud of and excited about.
The Crowne Plaza hotels global portfolio has doubled since 2003 to nearly 400 hotels, with a further 98 in the pipeline due to open in the next three to five years*. Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter is a shining beacon of the brand’s momentum and bright future.”
With the rapid growth of Crowne Plaza in the pipeline, the existing hotels are evolving to ensure they surpass industry standards and continue to lead the sector. The evolution of the brand focuses on raising product quality, consistency and driving performance across the portfolio. The result will be innovative new hallmarks that set Crowne Plaza apart from its competitors, elevating all hotels to deliver enhanced products and services to meet guests’ needs.
Silverlink’s Michelle Percy said: “The commencement of this scheme signals the beginning of a new chapter in Newcastle’s history. We are committed to delivering a new district in the city which will stand alongside any major European city. We’re excited to bring the foremost business hotel to the centre of Newcastle. As the regeneration of the site near the Central Station gains momentum, having such a prestigious hotel anchor the redevelopment will ensure the right calibre of commercial interest. Newcastle is a lively city with a rich cultural heritage, with an ever increasing strong economy leading the region. ”
*As at 2012 full year results
Notes to Editors:
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with nine hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, EVEN™ Hotels and HUALUXE™ Hotels & Resorts. IHG also manages Priority Club® Rewards, the world’s first and largest hotel loyalty programme with over 71 million members worldwide.
IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,600 hotels and more than 675,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories. With more than 1,000 hotels in its development pipeline, IHG expects to recruit around 90,000 people into additional roles across its estate over the next few years.
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.
Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.priorityclub.com for more on Priority Club Rewards. For our latest news, visit www.ihg.com/media, www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg or www.youtube.com/ihgplc.
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