A rapidly expanding hospitality business has begun work on the construction of its sixth hotel.
High Street Hospitality is investing £3.5 million in the 1.5 acre plot, which is part of the Durham Gate retail project at Thinford in County Durham.
Sister company, High Street Developments will construct the 40 bedroomed hotel, with high quality restaurant, al fresco dining and a children’s play area, which it is hoped will open for business next summer.
It will become the fourth in the company’s Hotel 52 chain – the others being in Stanley, Washington and Whitley Bay. However, it has also acquired the Sea Hotel in South Shields, carrying out a £1.4 million refurbishment and The Parkmore Hotel in Eaglescliffe, which is undergoing a £1 million facelift. These two will operate outside the Hotel 52 brand.
Phill Brumwell, Managing Director with High Street Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to be establishing another outlet in such a great location, having worked closely with Durham County Council to identify a site close to the Great North Road and Durham’s World Heritage attractions.
“It offers easy access to all the region’s business and tourist centres and during construction and operation the project will create new jobs and opportunities for local people. When completed it will be an affordable boutique hotel with high quality food and beverage outlets.”
The operator and constructor of the hotel are both part of Newcastle based The High Street Group of Companies, which has committed to create a chain of up to 20 hotels across the region.
With its headquarters in Stockbridge House, the group was established by Gary Forrest in 2006. It has grown to become a leading financial and property group employing around 350 people – 170 in the hospitality business – in activities including large scale property development and construction, hospitality and leisure.
*Picture caption: Kirk Thompson, Managing Director of High Street Developments (left) and Phill Brumwell, Managing Director of High Street Hospitality, at the site where work has begun on the new hotel.*