A NORTH-EAST firm has scored a key contract on a new hotel being built next to Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.

Work started at Stadium Park’s Hilton Garden Hotel late last year and the construction period will support up to 180 jobs, with further employment opportunities within the supply chain.

Boldon-based Opus Building Services will provide specialist mechanical and electrical engineering services on behalf of North-East based Tolent Construction Ltd, who are building the hotel.

Opus has already started work on the 145-bed site, which will create more than 100 full and part-time jobs when it opens in spring next year.

The firm will provide electrical power and lighting; fire alarm and CCTV systems; hot and cold water services; heating and ventilation systems and above ground drainage.

Gavin Richardson, managing director of Opus, said: “We’re delighted to be working on such a prestigious development in Sunderland and to be working alongside Tolent again.

“We worked with them on the design and fit-out of the Stadium of Light’s Business Lounge as well as many other projects.

Paul Walker, Regional Commercial Director for Tolent, said: “Our own locally-based workforce is employed on the project and wherever possible we have sourced trusted and experienced local companies such as Opus to work on developing the hotel.

“We’ve worked with Gavin and his team on many projects and have found them easy to work with and a company you can trust to deliver on time and on budget.”