Marriott primed for Middlesbrough
A 200-bedroom Fairfield by Marriott hotel could be delivered as part of the Gresham regeneration, with Wates lined up as contractor.
Discussions are taking place with the international hospitality giant, while a board meeting of the Middlesbrough Development Corporation will consider next steps at its meeting this week, with the draw-down of funding and a contractor appointment on the table.
The Fairfield brand is described as a midscale, business brand within the Marriott stable.
Building work on the Gresham hotel project could start in early summer 2025, subject to board approval.
The Middlesbrough Development Corporation agreed terms with developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property last year to take forward Gresham, a key regeneration masterplan area.
The wider aim is to step up the level of accommodation to attract and retain talent in the town, support the growth of Teesside University, and aid the regeneration of Middlesbrough by attracting up to 4,000 jobs.
Earmarked for land on the corner of Borough Road near Union Street and Hartington Road, members will be asked to approve Cycas as preferred hotel operator, as well as Wates as the preferred construction contractor.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke described the land as “a key entrance way to the town that needs to be developed.”
The first phase of the Development Corporation’s Gresham masterplan aims to seek planning approval for five mews houses, more than 230 build to rent properties, and a new block to offer student accommodation for more than 400 people.
iMpeC director Neil McMillan said: “We plan to deliver a transformational project at this key gateway location, providing a new accommodation offer that will help attract and retain students in the town and support its growing digital, professional and Advanced Manufacturing sectors to keep talent in Middlesbrough.
“This hotel is a key element to our offer and will provide a place to stay for investors and the thousands of workers taking on projects in the town and at Teesworks.”
Permission for council assets – in Gresham, and other key buildings and landholdings such as Middlehaven – to transfer to the MDC is being awaited from central government.
Communications included in the documents pack for Friday’s meeting detail the contact between Whitehall and Tees Valley Combined Authority as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reviews the way an action plan instigated locally following the recommendations of the Tees Valley Review has been undertaken.