Take a look inside Sunderland's Hilton hotel

The hospitality giant began work on the 141-bed hotel in the shadow of the Stadium of Light last year and has now released artist impressions of the interiors ahead of its official opening this spring.

It will be the first Hilton Garden Inn property to launch in the North and the only one to date between Birmingham and Glasgow.

“It is a real coup for us to be bringing the Hilton Garden Inn brand to such an exciting location just opposite the Stadium of Light,” said Kim Kelso, Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland’s general manager.

“The new hotel will help to fill a gap in the market catering for the growing number of people coming to work and play in Sunderland.”

The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, created by Gateshead-based architects, Redbox Design Group, will offer accommodation over two wings housing 141 en-suite guest rooms.

Construction on the H-shaped property, which began in summer 2015, is being managed by professional service provider, Turner & Townsend and led by Tolent Construction Ltd.

Key contractors include Opus Building Services, based in Sunderland, Walker Modular, based in Yorkshire and Swandene Specialist Contract Interiors, based at Washington, Tyne and Wear.

“We are delighted to have been involved in this project and have worked hard to reinvest in the local economy by utilising our own locally-based workforce and regional subcontractors as much as possible,” said John Wood, Tolent Chairman.

The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, which is expected to launch in early May, is already accepting bookings and looking ahead to a busy first quarter.

“Once completed, we’re confident that the Hilton Garden Inn will make an ideal base for tourists exploring the sites of Sunderland and the surrounding area,” said Kim Kelso.

“It will also offer an accommodation option for those attending events at the Stadium of Light, including football, weddings, corporate events and the performance by Beyonce in June.”