Plans for a new luxury hotel in the heart of Newcastle’s popular Quayside area, outlined in a public consultation, have been unveiled by local planning specialist Lichfields.

Dakota Hotels proposes to convert the currently vacant St Ann’s Wharf at 112 Quayside into a boutique-style 115-bedroom hotel as part of ambitious plans to regenerate an important part of the iconic Quayside area. Located on the opposite bank to The Baltic, the scheme could also feature a ground floor bar and grill area.

Alex Kennedy, senior planner at the Lichfields Newcastle office, said the hotel would generate a £1.5m local economic uplift and provide dozens of hospitality jobs, adding: “This is another major regeneration project that represents a significant contribution to the vitality and vibrancy of an important economic sector. 

“Local residents, businesses and stakeholders are being consulted to showcase the many opportunities and benefits the investment will bring to Newcastle and the wider region.” 

A spokesperson for Dakota Hotels added: “This is a prestigious project that will create jobs, prosperity and deliver a big boost to an important city centre location. We are keen to hear the views of as many people as possible, which will be considered before our plans are finalised and submitted to the local planning authority.”

If the project gets the green light from the city council later this year, dozens of full-time jobs in the hospitality sector and wider regional supply chain could be created when the hotel, which will cater for approximately 65,000 visitor nights per year, eventually opens. 

Lichfields is seeking the views of local people and stakeholders on the plans via a digital consultation, which is live until 12 June 2023 at St. Ann’s Wharf, 112 Quayside (dakotanewcastle.com)

While plans will retain most of the building’s current features and details to complement the architectural heritage, the new-look entrance lobby, reception and ground floor bar areas will reflect the Dakota brand-style with new signage. The installation of PV solar panels on the roof will provide a low-cost sustainable energy source that will eventually meet the building’s longer-term power needs.

Some minor alterations to the building’s façade fronting the Quayside are also planned, with an extension at ground floor level to cater for a new entrance lobby. The existing courtyard at the front of the property will be reconfigured to provide a vehicle drop-off area, while first floor level bedroom terraces will be added. New balconies at second floor level will provide additional external space for guests.

A formal planning application is expected to be submitted to Newcastle City Council this summer.