Manchester-based contractor Russell WBHO has been appointed to build a £48m hotel on Gateshead Quayside.
The nine-storey complex will be managed by Accor under its Novotel and Ibis brands. Revised plans for the hotel, which will be set at around £330m Sage International Conference Center and Arenareceived approval for the project in March.
The building was originally intended to be attached to the conference center, but has been moved to a new location nearby. Walkways and crossings will connect the hotel to the wider waterfront development as well as Gateshead town centre.
Russell WBHO plans to begin work on the two-year construction program before the end of 2023.
The company was formed in 2018, after Manchester contractor Russells Construction was bought by South African engineering group WBHO. The company had a turnover of more than £55m in its last financial year, the 12 months to 30 June 2022.
The project is being developed by Ask:Patrizia, a joint venture for Gateshead Quayside between Manchester-based Ask Real Estate and its German investment partner, Patrizia AG.
Russell WBHO managing director Gareth Russell said: “As a recognized specialist in hotel construction, we are delighted to confirm our appointment for this new project in Gateshead. We take a collaborative partnership approach to on delivery, and our team is working closely with the client and local authority ready to start a project later this year.”
John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate, said: “Russell WBHO has a proven track record in the leisure sector and we are delighted to be partnering with them to deliver this fantastic new hotel for Gateshead.”
