Stoke on Trent regeneration boosted by new hotel development
A major hotel operator has been lined for a significant new development in Stoke-on-Trent.
Hilton has confirmed that it intends to open a 140-bedroom Hilton Garden Inn at the the Smithfield development in Hanley.
The move follows a franchise agreement between Hilton and Smithfield developer and hotel owner, Genr8.
In a major coup for the city, the new hotel will deliver an economic boost to the area, creating more than 50 jobs, and introducing high-quality meeting and conference facilities.
It will also support Stoke’s bid to be the 2021 City of Culture.
The city council is providing £4.55m for the project, supported by a £2.95m grant from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Cllr Dave Conway, leader, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This truly is a major milestone in the continued transformation of the city centre.
“Hilton is a name famous around the world and a lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make this development a reality. It will not only improve the hotel offer in the city which is vital if we are to be successful with our UK City of Culture bid, but help grow our tourism industry and further revamp the area with increased footfall.
“Having a brand like Hilton Garden Inn committing to coming here shows the confidence there is in the city centre from the private sector and will undoubtedly lead to further interest and investment from other businesses and organisations.”
The new hotel will be delivered and owned by Smithfield Stoke-on-Trent developer, Genr8, working alongside the city council.
Genr8 is expected to submit a planning application shortly, facilitating a start on site later in 2017, subject to approval.
The hotel is expected to welcome its first guests in 2019. Genr8 has appointed the UK’s leading hotel management company Redefine BDL Hotels to operate the hotel on its behalf.
Richard Ingham, partner, Genr8, said: “The delivery of a Hilton Garden Inn at Smithfield is a huge step forward for both the City of Stoke-on-Trent and for the Smithfield development and will provide a significant boost to the local business and leisure economy.”
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton, said: “Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent joins more than 100 Hilton Garden Inn properties trading or under development across Europe. Stoke-on-Trent continues to make fantastic progress in its bid for City of Culture 2021 status, and the new hotel will considerably enhance accommodation in the city.”
