Tall & Urban News

A 200-bed hotel complete with a sky bar and destination restaurant is set to be built in Newcastle city center as part of a £120 million (US$159 million) scheme in the shadow of St James’ Park.

The High Street Group is transforming land at Strawberry Place after snapping it up in a £10 million (US$13.2 million) deal at the start of the year. 

The development–called One St James–will include a collection of more than 300 affordable rent apartments and premium offices, alongside public spaces and a range of bars and restaurants.

It has now been confirmed that global hospitality firm Radisson Hotel Group will open a Radisson RED hotel at the site, its first in the region under the boutique hotel brand which is tailored around the millennial market.

Set to open in 2023, the hotel is being designed to reflect the city’s personality with 200 upbeat, Instagrammable and colourful rooms.

The new hotel will feature 200 guest rooms as well as a sky bar, extensive conference and banqueting facilities, informal meeting spaces and a top-of-the-range residents’ gym.

A destination restaurant will also be on site and will be available for visitors as well as guests.

Elie Younes, executive vice president and chief development officer of Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We’re very excited to be part of the incredible cultural scene in Newcastle, bringing fun with a fresh, upscale hotel brand to the city centre. Radisson RED and Newcastle are a fantastic match.” 

Gary Forrest, chairman of The High Street Group said: “We are delighted to agree the partnership with Radisson Hotel Group, one of the leading global hotel operators, to help make our development at Strawberry Place a fantastic destination location.

“We are looking forward to working with a company with over 75 years of experience of delivering world-class hospitality and exceptional service to customers.

“The partnership strengthens the High Street Group’s position as a leading developer, which builds sustainable communities, through lifestyle offerings which give our residents more than just a place to live.

“Radisson Hotel Group’s culture and beliefs link in perfectly with the High Street Group’s development strategy and vision for Newcastle. The partnership signifies a key aspect of our plans to bring significant long-term benefits to the city, its people and its visitors.”

The development forms part of The High Street Group’s pipeline of 18 projects throughout the UK. The firm recently opened Hadrian’s Tower, the tallest building in Newcastle.

Key regional organizations including the North East England Chamber of Commerce, business improvement district company NE1 Ltd, and the NewcastleGatehead Initiative (NGI) welcomed news of Radisson Hotel Group’s further commitment to the city, coming on top of planned hotels at Newcastle Helix and at the former Chronicle and Journal offices in Groat Market.

James Ramsbotham, CEO of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, said: “This investment in the heart of Newcastle is such welcome news right now and demonstrates real confidence in the dynamism of the city.

“A Radisson Red Hotel will provide an outstanding offering in this unique location. We congratulate everyone involved and look forward to working together to further enhance our reputation for delivering a warm welcome and excellent service to visitors from around the world.”

Adrian Waddell, chief executive of NE1 Ltd, said: “We are delighted that Radisson RED is joining the fold here in Newcastle. We have a world-renowned culture, leisure and hospitality scene and the addition of such a well-respected brand is great news and strengthens the city offer.”

Sarah Green, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “This new hotel in the heart of the city center and next to the iconic St James’ Park will be a great asset to the city. The investment is a signal of confidence in the resilience of Newcastle as a great city break or business location.”

For more on this story, go to Chronicle Live.