Hilton to open hotel at First Direct Arena in Leeds
The 14-storey hotel, which will be developed by GB Group, will be located just 300 metres from the 13,500 capacity music and entertainment venue, which opened in July and will include a destination restaurant, business centre, gym and rooftop bar when it opens its doors for business in 2016.
It will be Hilton Worldwide's third hotel in Leeds and will follow Hilton Leeds City which opened in 1971 and Doubletree by Hilton Leeds City Centre which opened in 2011.
Rob Palleschi, global head of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said: “We’re delighted to bring another hotel to the city of Leeds. Our brand has strong ties with the entertainment industry, so we’re particularly excited to be locating so close to one of the UK’s most sought-after new venues. With Hilton Leeds City also undergoing a £4m refurbishment this signing underlines our ongoing commitment to the Leeds market.”
“The First Direct Arena has already welcomed hundreds of thousands of people through its doors since opening in September and has solidified the city’s status as one of the UK’s leading entertainment and retail destinations, attracting over 25 million visitors a year," added Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide. "Hilton Leeds Arena will provide the quality accommodation such a top class venue demands and serve to complement our existing city centre Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton hotels.”
Key development
Redefine BDL, which currently has 58 properties under management contracts and long leases including three under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, will operate the Hilton Leeds Arena under a £30m franchise deal.
Developers GB Group who worked with Hilton Worldwide to develop Hilton Garden Inn Luton North, were advised by Jones Lang LaSalle Corporate Finance and CBRE Hotels in relation to the hotel brand and operator search and selection.
Its chairman and chief executive Martin Smout said: “This is a key development for us, and marks an important milestone in our evolution from a developer contractor into a property owner investor. We are thrilled to have secured the go-ahead and funding to deliver this ambitious scheme at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting cities, and look forward to working closely with our partners to build what will become the premier destination for business and leisure in Leeds.”
