THE transformation of part of Newcastle's Cattle Market into a hotel and multi-storey car park has been completed.

The building covers 5,400 sq ft and is located next to land which is being redeveloped for a new urban plaza that will comprise retail units, a multi-storey car park, modern office accommodation and an extensive apartment development.

The eight-storey hotel boasts 274 rooms, and offers nine dedicated meeting rooms, as well as a restaurant, pub and coffee bar.

To mark the occasion, general manager at the hotel, Tom Devaney, presented the hotel's first guests, from Belfast, with champagne and flowers.

Jurys Inn is the largest development in Newcastle since the Quayside was revamped and many of the rooms benefit from panoramic views of the city and River Tyne with its famous bridges.

The hotel joins a portfolio of budget-plus accommodation in the heart of UK and Irish towns and cities including London, Croydon, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast.

Jurys Inns will also be opening in Glasgow and Chelsea this Autumn, in Leeds next year, and Heathrow in 2005.