UniSpace Sunderland, the meetings and events arm of the University of Sunderland, has announced that construction of a new 125 bedroom on-site Premier Inn hotel will begin next month by developer GB Group.
The contemporary five-storey hotel, on adjacent St Michael’s Way, will complement UniSpace’s existing on-site accommodation, adding significantly to the venue’s capacity for hosting residential events.
The University of Sunderland and Sunderland City Council have worked in close partnership with GB Group to support the delivery of the new hotel development, which will further improve the connectivity between the University and the city centre.
Phil Marsh, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of Sunderland, says: “The hotel will provide further scope for growth in the University’s events and conference business, UniSpace, and is a welcome addition to Sunderland’s leisure and business tourism offer. The physical design and landscaping will continue the improvements made in the connectivity between the city campus and city centre and builds on the investment made by the University over the past eight years.”
Sharon Olver, Business Development and Commercial Manager at UniSpace Sunderland, adds: “This is fantastic news for our conference and events clients who will now have even greater capacity and choice to support residential events. The new hotel will open up the UniSpace offer to attract a broader range of events with larger accommodation requirements.”
The development has been designed by architect Faulkner Brown with Mills & Reeve LLP acting as legal advisor to GB Group. It is due for completion by February 2015.
