PLANS to build a hotel and leisure complex next to Newcastle Airport creating 90 new jobs have been unveiled

Construction company Willmott Dixon has submitted its planning application for the development of a 152-bedroom hotel together with conference facilities, leisure club, restaurant and bars.

The move is seen as a major step forward in terms of increasing the region's national and international profile as an attractive location for both tourism and business.

Rick Willmott of Willmott Dixon said: "We believe that despite recent additions to the supply of hotel accommodation in Newcastle, there is still a significant shortfall versus projected demand.

"Newcastle is primed for growth thanks to programmes such as the bid to be 'European Capital of Culture', as well as other more localised projects being instigated by the Newcastle/Gateshead Initiative.

"However, the City's inability to meet demand for hotel accommodation is inhibiting its drive to enhance its reputation as a major visitor destination and as a competitive industrial location.

"This proposed new hotel complex aims to address this shortfall in high quality accommodation and conference facilities. It will be a flagship development, complimenting the Newcastle Great Park, in a gateway location signifying to motorists from the north that they have arrived in Newcastle.

"It will also be distinctive to passengers landing at Newcastle International Airport."

As part of the planning application the city council has required that the development demonstrates 'very special circumstances' status.

The external reports submitted with the planning application emphasise that the Newcastle Great Park, coupled with the City's drive to become 'European Capital of Culture', together with other initiatives aimed at developing the local and regional economy, are all major factors which contribute to these 'very special circumstances'.