International hotel brand Marriott is in discussions to open a 200 bed hotel in Middlesbrough
International hotel brand Fairfield by Marriott is in discussions to open a new 200-bedroom hotel coming to the heart of Middlesbrough.
Building work on the Gresham hotel project is forecast to start in early summer next year, subject to board approval.
Members of the Middlesbrough Development Corporation Board will meet this Friday to agree next steps on the hotel’s operator and contractors for the project as well as drawing down on
allocated funding to take forward the wider vision for the town centre (25 October).
Fairfield by Marriott has over 1,300 properties internationally as one of the brands within the Marriott International global hotel portfolio.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who is also chair of Middlesbrough Development Corporation, said: “To have Marriott coming on board in the heart of Middlesbrough is another huge boost to our ambitions and a vote of confidence in what we all want to achieve.
“For far too long, Gresham has been left to rack and ruin but now that we are involved, we are doing what needs to be done, and getting straight to work.
“We’re making real progress in getting a grip of the town centre and giving it the investment, vision and, most importantly, the action it needs and deserves.
“This is another big milestone – and we’re working hard to put everything in place to ensure we can get spades in the ground to build the hotel as soon as we possibly can.”
The Corporation teamed up with experienced property developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property last year to design a rejuvenated Gresham.
The wider aim is to offer high-quality accommodation to attract and retain talent in the town, support the growth of Teesside University, and aid the regeneration of Middlesbrough by attracting up to 4,000 jobs.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke added: “Newport ward will always be a place I want to see improve and thrive. The land in question is a key entrance way to the town and needs to be developed.”
Earmarked for land on the corner of Borough Road near Union Street and Hartington Road, members will be asked to approve a preferred hotel operator – Cycas – for the 200-bed hotel, as well as Wates as the preferred construction contractor.
The first phase of the Development Corporation’s masterplan aims to seek planning approval for five mews houses, more than 230 build to rent properties, and a new block to offer student accommodation for more than 400 people.
iMpeC Director Neil McMillan said: “We plan to deliver a transformational project at this key gateway location, providing a new accommodation offer that will help attract and retain students in the town and support its growing digital, professional and Advanced Manufacturing sectors to keep talent in Middlesbrough.
“This hotel is a key element to our offer and will provide a place to stay for investors and the thousands of workers taking on projects in the town and at Teesworks.”
Permission for assets to transfer to the MDC is being awaited from the Government.