North East & Yorkshire

Hotel Indigo is here to stay

Newcastle is expected to benefit from a boost in tourism and the creation of approximately 60 jobs when the £14 million Hotel Indigo opens in spring 2012.

Hotel Indigo is a boutique concept by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) that offers guests the impressive luxury and individuality that is expected from a 4-star hotel. The concept includes a retail-inspired design concept that will change throughout the year and each property is designed to reflect the culture, character and history of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Situated on Fenkle Street, Hotel Indigo Newcastle is just a two-minute walk from Central Station and a ten-minute walk to Newcastle United Football Club. The Grainger town area is a hot-spot for cutting-edge architecture and is just a short stroll away from the city’s restaurants, shops, bars and business district.

Hotel Indigo Newcastle will offer 148 luxury bedrooms, a number of which will have their own balconies. Also included in the scheme is a 120-seat Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill.

Main contractor for the project is Denizen Contracts.

Nick Taplin, Managing Director of Sanguine Hospitality, said:

“There’s a big gap in Newcastle for this type of hotel and a big gap in the market for the restaurant as well. We are going to make a mark in Newcastle and we are going to up the ante.

“The tourism it will bring into the city will be massive. Our link with Intercontinental means its customers will be coming to Newcastle and spending money here in the cafes, bars and shops. Fans of Marco Pierre White will also be coming to the city to go to his latest restaurant.

“It’s going to be the place to be.”

The architectural design of the hotel has been heavily influenced by its location within the historic Grainger Town area. As a result, the development features bold geometric forms, classical proportions and repeating patterns that mimic the architecture and column rows that can be seen around the local neighbourhood.

Each of the 148 bedrooms will be individually styled and will feature oversized beds, spacious bathrooms and invigorating rainfall showers. Other luxuries include 24-hour room service, a complimentary mini-bar, air conditioning and an in-room safe.

Also included in the Hotel Indigo Newcastle package is the Grainger Lounge, free Wi-Fi, onsite car parking and a state-of-the-art Fitness Room.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Hotel Indigo experience is the prestigious Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill, which will offer guests a place to enjoy world-class food in an environment that is casual, fun and inexpensive.

Each of the delicious dishes will be prepared onsite by the head chef, with each meal being made with food that is fresh, locally sourced and ethically sustained. Their special menus will boast a range of flavours, textures and tastes, with each plate offering something different from the last. Also included in the dining experience is an extensive wine list that features full-bodied wines, champagnes, ports and ales.

Managing Director, Nick Taplin, said:

“I used to come to Newcastle when I was growing up. My parents had good friends who lived in the city and I would come here in the school holidays. I’ve loved Newcastle from a young age.

“We looked at five sites in Newcastle but decided on Fenkle Street because of its great location. It was just perfect and it’s in a great location with Metro and railway links. It’s an up and coming part of town and I think the hotel will lift the area.

“Marco was really keen to open here. It’s a big city for Marco and the one thing about Newcastle is that there has always been a great nightlife, so being part of that is the right thing to do. Marco is all about cooking simple food with quality ingredients. We will be using local suppliers.

“Our selling point is that we have unique story for each hotel and we take in its locality. As a result, all of the artwork will feature local landmarks such as the bridges and Grainger Town.”

 

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Roma Publications