PLANS for a new four star hotel in a North-East city centre have been revealed.

Cairn Group, which is based in Newcastle owns and operates a group of 31 hotels and over 30 bars and restaurants across the UK, has revealed plans to open a new hotel in Keel Square in Sunderland City Centre.

A planning application has been submitted to the council for the build of the 120 room hotel, which will create 70 new jobs.

The hotel will also include ground floor units with opportunities for food and drink outlets to move in.

Mel Speding, cabinet secretary at Sunderland City Council, said: “As part of the planned regeneration of Sunderland city centre, we have been looking to attract a high quality hotel development to this flagship site for some time.

“Now the planning application has been submitted, it will be considered as with all applications on its merits and in accordance with national and local planning policies.

“Our regeneration plans have been outlined to ensure that our city centre is a welcoming destination for residents and visitors, whilst adding vibrancy, supporting existing businesses and creating opportunities for new businesses and private sector investment as a principle.

“We believe a quality hotel development on this site will help us achieve this aim.”

Richard Warren, Cairn Group finance director, said: “We are working closely with Sunderland City Council and support its vision for the improvement of the city centre.

“The submission of planning permission for this landmark hotel is a very important milestone for this project.

“With a focus on pulling visitors to the centre of the city, the hotel will provide retail space opportunities for local businesses as well as bringing many job prospects.

“We are committed to investing in the region and are excited about the potential of this ambitious project.”

Cairn Group has previously led several hotel regeneration projects in the region, including Darlington’s Mercure Kings Hotel and DoubleTree by Hilton at Newcastle International Airport.

The group also recently added Redworth Hall Hotel in Durham to its portfolio as part of a major multiple acquisition of five hotels across the UK.