Developer Vastint wants to update a consent granted previously. Credit: planning documents

Green light tipped for Marriott changes

Increased guest facilities are proposed as a fresh consent at St James’ Boulevard within Newcastle’s Helix urban science park is sought.

Planning permission was secured in 2022 for what was at that stage intended as a hotel to be run under Marriott’s no-frills Moxy brand, including 195 bedrooms across a six-to-eight storey building.

A rethink by applicant Vastint Hospitality BV sees a change to Marriott’s Tribute brand.

In a revised design that sees the northern and southern elevations lengthened by 1.5m, 198 bedrooms are plotted, with basement space previously allotted for plant and back of house uses now pencilled in to accommodate a 3,185 sq ft function/conference room.

On top of this, the ground floor has been reworked so provide an enlarged bar, lounge and reception area, with staff space also increasing.

Newcastle Tribute hotel professional team:

  • Planner, sustainability consultant: Avison Young
  • Lead architect: Cumming & Co
  • Interiors: Apto Architects
  • Structural and civil engineer, landscape designer: Fairhurst
  • M&E: RSP Consulting Engineers

The hotel is proposed as two blocks in a stepped design to lessen visual impact: the lower six-storey block would front St James Boulevard, being in tune with the plinth of Hadrian’s Tower, while the taller rear block would fit with the scale of buildings such as the Lumen and the Spark.

Giving a ‘minded to grant approval’ verdict, planning officers noted that “the proposal would deliver a new hotel to support and enhance the leisure and tourism economy in the urban core and would assist in supporting the continued development of the city as a whole”.

The site concerned is Building B of Plot 1 in what was originally called the Science Central masterplan, Newcastle’s vision to replace the former Tyne brewery with 500,000 sq ft of office & research space and 450 homes.

Originally borne out of the Ikea group, Vastint Hospitality was established in 2012 to work in hotel development across Europe, focusing on business locations and seeking franchise agreements.

All documents relating to the project can be viewed on Newcastle City Council’s planning portal, reference 2023/1865/01/DET. The proposals will be considered at NCC’s planning meeting on 13 December.

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Related Articles

Subscribe for free

Stay updated on the latest news and views in North East property

Subscribe

Keep updated on the latest news, deals, views and opportunities in North East property, in your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to Place Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below