A rapidly expanding leisure business has unveiled plans for two new North East hotels.
Newcastle based High Street Hospitality proposes an ambitious renovation of a grand old building in the centre of the city, whilst also developing a new build hotel in County Durham.
A planning application has been submitted to Newcastle City Council, for permission to transform 19-21 Collingwood Street from its current office use into one of the city’s most exciting hotel, dining and leisure experiences.
A £2 million refurbishment is proposed and could deliver eight floors of varying and complimentary facilities designed to appeal to local residents and visitors.
Managing Director, Phill Brumwell, says: “This is a fine old building in the heart of the Newcastle, which has tremendous potential to be a real focus for a very different leisure and entertainment venue than what is currently on offer. We have a vision to create high quality hotel, restaurant and family friendly facilities, with a fully rounded experience for all generations.”
The proposals include four floors of hotel accommodation with 13 individually themed boutique rooms. Some would be for corporate travellers, mid-week, while those on the upper floors would have an extravagant and unique feel, catering for larger parties, such as families or groups of friends.
Also planned is The Boardwalk Brasserie – a 1920s themed restaurant with classic décor. Open from 6:30 am for breakfast it will provide service for up to 80 diners at once, running through brunch, lunch, high tea and dinner.
The top floor would become The Terrace at Metropolitan House Hotel, an elegant indoor / outdoor space with a half retractable roof. Heated in winter, this year round destination could provide a unique al fresco area – perhaps for members only during the evenings, with entrance managed via a mobile phone app.
The Studios, in the basement, would be an entertainment venue that offered a vibrant social and musical experience for guests – including two large karaoke booths and a sing star booth, where people of all generations could record their own DVD or vinyl.
High Street Hospitality is also investing £4.5 million in a 1.5 acre plot on the Durham Gate retail project at Thinford in County Durham. Here it will construct a 42 bedroomed hotel with restaurant and bar facilities, with work expected to start in August and it is hoped the facility will open for business during the summer of 2020.
It will become the third in the company’s Hotel 52 chain – the others being in Whitley Bay and Stanley. However, it has also acquired the Sea Hotel in South Shields, carrying out a £1.4 million refurbishment; The Parkmore Hotel in Eaglescliffe, which is undergoing a £1 million facelift and the Three Horse Shoes in Washington, where there are plans to build 58 bedrooms in the grounds. All three will operate outside the Hotel 52 brand.
High Street Hospitality also has 15 food, beverage and leisure venues. It is part of The High Street Group of Companies – based in Stockbridge House – and was established by Gary Forrest in 2006. It has grown to become a leading financial and property group employing around 350 people in activities including large scale property development and construction, hospitality and leisure.
*Picture caption 1: How the front of the revamped Metropolitan building could look.*