First look at Sunderland city centre's new four star hotel

Cairn Group, which owns and operates a portfolio of 31 hotels and more than 30 bars and restaurants across the UK, is working with Sunderland City Council on plans for a landmark hotel in Keel Square.

A planning application has been submitted to the council for the build of the 120 room hotel, resulting in a large investment into the area as well as the creation of around 70 local jobs.

The hotel will also comprise ground floor commercial units with opportunities for food and beverage outlets, providing letting opportunities for both national operators as well as local businesses.

Cairn Group has previously led several hotel regeneration projects investing in the region, including Holiday Inn Jesmond, Holiday Inn Scotch Corner, Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel, Cairn Hotel Newcastle, Rooms Inn Newcastle and DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle International Airport.

The group also recently added Redworth Hall Hotel in Durham to its portfolio as part of a major multiple acquisition of five hotels across the UK, against a list price of £75 million.

Coun Mel Speding, Cabinet Secretary at Sunderland City Council, said: "As part of the planned regeneration of Sunderland city centre, we have been looking to attract a high quality hotel development to this flagship site for some time. Now the planning application has been submitted, it will be considered as with all applications on its merits and in accordance with national and local planning policies.

"Our regeneration plans have been outlined to ensure that our city centre is a welcoming destination for residents and visitors, whilst adding vibrancy, supporting existing businesses and creating opportunities for new businesses and private sector investment as a principle. We believe a quality hotel development on this site will help us achieve this aim."

Richard Warren, Cairn Group finance director, said: "We are working closely with Sunderland City Council and support its vision for the improvement of the city centre. The submission of planning permission for this landmark hotel is a very important milestone for this project.

"With a focus on pulling visitors to the centre of the city, the hotel will provide retail space opportunities for local businesses as well as bringing many job prospects. We are committed to investing in the region and are excited about the potential of this ambitious project."