The firm has revealed plans to open a hotel named ‘The Dorchester of the North’ around ten years ago, and have since received permission. The permission has expired since, but the property firm continued buying several areas. This would allow them to revise their application to a larger complex that takes up Grey Street, Cloth Market and Mosely Street.
The project is set to go, with promises to create 510 jobs both during and after its construction.
Meenu Malhotra, the Chairman of the Malhotra Group said the building would include two internationally branded nightclubs in addition to several restaurants and cafes. There will also be a swimming pool, three rooftop terraces and an open-sided canopy.
Malhotra Group is currently in discussions with top international brands to manage the hotel. It is hoped to bring business people, visitors and students.
The hotel is set to have over 100 rooms, with its own restaurant, two indoor bars and three separate rooftop bars. This will also include a spa, gym and conference facilities.
There will be two-three storey extensions above Drury Lane and Balmbra’s Hall for more bedroom space, and for the construction of a function and conference room.
The huge project will retain the existing Grade II and II* listed buildings on site. However, the rear-offshoots to 5-9 Grey Street will be demolished to allow space for a new atrium. The address of 29 Mosely Street, originally built in the 1950s, will also be rebuilt as well as to 4 Cloth Market.
The upper floors of 3-17 Grey Street, Drury Lane, 4-8 Cloth Market and 31 Mosely Street will be occupied by the new hotel. There will be two-three storey extensions above Drury Lane and Balmbra’s Hall for more bedroom space, and for the construction of a function and conference room. The entrance to the hotel bar and restaurant will be created on the ground floor of 3-13 Grey Street.
Space Architects have submitted CGIs and a design statement with a planning statement written by the Newcastle office of consultancy Lichfields.
According to the planning statement, the proposals aims to “restore and re-use these predominantly vacant buildings, whilst minimising the loss of original or early phases of fabric.”
It will also encourage the regeneration of Grainger Town whilst maintaining the appearance of the historic buildings. Furthermore, the proposals will deliver significant economic investment.
Meenu Malhotra said: “It’s not just a business we are establishing but a legacy that our family wants to deliver and leave for the city.”
Two leisure business’, Flares and Vineyard currently run from the corner positions of the block of properties. The Malhotra Group has confirmed these sites will remain. However, popular club Soho Rooms will be removed and replaced with a VIP Nightclub.
“Soho was always good fun, everyone loved ending up there after a night out.
Rayan Zayeri, Mathematics with Finance Undergraduate student, Newcastle University
The London chain Chinawhite is among the firms in debate vying for the site. The club is popular among students and locals of Newcastle, particularly due to its music and free entry.
Rayan Zayeri, a Newcastle University undergraduate student in Mathematics with Finance said: “Soho was always good fun, everyone loved ending up there after a night out. It will be missed by many. Although I won’t miss falling down those stairs.”
