12:35pm Wednesday 23rd September 2009
By Deborah Johnson
SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn yesterday hailed the region’s latest boutique hotel as an example of what is needed in the area to help support the city’s bid to host World Cup football in 2018.
Quinn attended the launch of the Seaton Lane Inn Hotel, in County Durham, which has been extended from a pub and restaurant to offer 18 hotel rooms in a two-storey extension.
And Quinn, a regular at the pub and friend of its owners, Adrian and Dee Marshall, said the hotel put a timely emphasis on quality accommodation in the area.
The launch comes as the FA contemplates whether to include Sunderland as one of its cities in England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Concerns have been raised in some quarters over the number of hotel beds in the region, but Quinn said new developments such as that at the Seaton Lane Inn help in bolstering the case.
He said: “This type of place is just what Sunderland needs, and it does come at a time when there is a lot of focus on, and a lot of support ,for the bid. I do think it does serve to show again what we have here.
“I think this (the hotel) is wonderful and we should encourage stuff like this. Adrian hasn’t been put off by the economic climate and has shown drive and ambition to create this.”
Mr Marshall said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer such modern, luxurious and stylish accommodation to a part of County Durham and Wearside that has been historically low on facilities of this nature.
The Seaton Lane Inn, a former blacksmith’s forge, has been helped by both Barclays and Business Link North- East, whose chief executive Alistair MacColl attended yesterday’s launch.
Business Link advisor Steph Campbell worked with the couple throughout the build process.
The business support organisation has provided advice and guidance in a number of areas including marketing, staff training, website development and accessing funding through the North East England Investment Centre.
Ms Campbell said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Adrian and Dee throughout this whole process. Every suggestion that’s been put to them has been warmly received and their positive attitude, determination and hard work has led to the fantastic success of this venture which is already reaping rewards.
“I look forward to working with the business throughout its continued growth.”
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