Member Article

50 jobs in the pipeline as Newcastle Co-op building to become Premier Inn

The former Co-op department store in Newcastle city centre is being turned into a Premier Inn and retail units that will create 50 jobs, developers say.

Property firm Interserve wil refurbish the Grade II listed art deco building on the ground and basement floors in a project that is expected to be complete by December 2015.

The sale of the property to DTZ Investment Management also inclused the adjoining car park and Chinese restaurant.

Dougie Sutherland, managing director of Interserve Developments, said: “The collaborative approach between Interserve, Premier Inn and DTZIM has ensured that this complex scheme is now viable and can be progressed.

“We have worked closely with the local authority over a number of months and we are now in a position to progress construction works on this major city centre project. This project further demonstrates our ability to deliver innovative solutions in property development and we are progressing a number of further schemes.”

With its twin towers, sweeping curves and huge windows, the city-centre building was once Newcastle’s most elegant shopping outlet.

Kevin Murray, senior acquisitions manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, the owners of the Premier Inn brand, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this innovative and interesting project with our development partner Interserve and DTZIM.

“We hope the new Premier Inn will be a positive and valued addition to the local area. We look forward to working with Interserve and opening our doors to our customers as soon as possible. We will shortly commence working with Newcastle City Council and other local employment agencies to create over 50 jobs for the local area.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .