A new hotel and restaurant, created to support tourism in County Durham, opens this weekend (2nd / 3rd December).
Aimed particularly at visitors to Beamish Museum, Hotel 52 and Pazzo restaurant in Stanley has also created 20 jobs – the vast majority filled by local people.
Formerly a disused care home on Joicey Square, the venture was originally to become a community hub and apartments. However, consultations with Durham County Council and Visit County Durham highlighted a shortage of hotel accommodation in the area – so the pans were amended.
Hotel 52 comprises 23 bedrooms, the licensed restaurant, a coffee lounge and meeting facilities. It is the second in what is planned to become a chain of reasonably priced, boutique hotels, being established by All Saints Living, part of The High Street Group of Companies. The first, in Whitley Bay, has enjoyed huge success since opening in July.
Natalie Forrest, Hotel Manager, said: “This is an exciting new venture which will not only address the need for hotel accommodation but also create employment opportunities for local people. The restaurant will also become a destination for people in the area to enjoy.”
With its headquarters in Cuthbert House, Newcastle, The High Street Group was established by successful entrepreneur Gary Forrest in 2004. It has grown to become a leading financial and property group employing over 100 people in activities including large scale property development and construction, hospitality and leisure.
