Clouston Group has appointed world-leading hotel management company, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, as part of a strategic restructure and financial overview to drive forward the Crowne Plaza Newcastle, building on current success rates and ‘future-proofing’ its position as one of the North’s most successful landmark hotels.
Hotel owners, Clouston Group, in agreement with stakeholders Newcastle City Council and RBS, has appointed the global operator to further boost sales, maximise occupancy rates and driving forward growth to meet increasing demand from business users and visitors to the city.
Interstate will take over the day-to-day running of the hotel from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) as part of a franchise agreement, bringing the number of establishments worldwide under their management to over 500.
Newcastle upon Tyne’s leisure, tourism and hospitality market continues to grow at pace with several new hotel developments planned for the city centre. The sector in 2017 was worth £1.62 billion to the local economy according to NewcastleGateshead Initiative Solutions.
Richard Clouston CEO of the owner, Clouston Group, said, “The Crowne Plaza continues to thrive as Newcastle’s preeminent business and tourism hotel, offering exceptional conferencing and event facilities.
“We’re proud of the excellent work that our 200 strong staff are doing in delivering a superb service and reinforcing our position as one of the best hotels in the market. This has enabled us to fast-track the move to franchise and we’re delighted to appoint a world-leading hotel management company following a stringent selection process agreed with our colleagues at Newcastle City Council.
“The team allocated by Interstate is first-rate and as owners, we’re working closely with them to ensure the business is optimised, providing the very best for our valued customers and guests from the region and around the globe. We endeavour to deliver the highest professional standards and continue to be an exemplar of the hospitality which Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for.
“The Crowne Plaza at Stephenson Quarter is the cornerstone of the development and a catalyst for future phases, creating many more jobs and opportunities in the hospitality sector.”
The Crowne Plaza Newcastle is a popular location for business and leisure users with more than 3000 guests currently using its facilities each week. Clouston Group, a North East-based urban development company, built the luxury four star, 251-room hotel, which opened in 2015, as part of the first phase of Stephenson Quarter.
As well as 251 bedrooms, the Crowne Plaza Newcastle includes nine function rooms with the largest, the Stephenson Suite, holding up to 500 people. The property, located on Forth Street in the city centre, also houses a Gin Bar, a restaurant – Hawthorns Brassiere, an indoor pool as well as a spa and leisure club.
Interstate Hotels & Resorts has an operational portfolio of more than 100 properties across the UK, western and eastern Europe as well as Russia.
Nicholas Northam, Executive Vice President – International at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, added, “The hotel exudes luxury and is well placed to cater for the growing conference and events market in the city as well as the corporate and leisure traveller visiting the north east.”
