Downing books Accor for Newcastle hotel

Liverpool developer Downing has signed Accor to operate a four-star Novotel hotel at its £200m Downing Plaza scheme in central Newcastle.   The French-owned company will operate a 103-bed hotel as well as 101 serviced apartments under the Adagio City Aparthotel brand.   Earlier this year, Downing secured a 100,000 sq ft prelet to the Newcastle University Business School at the 600,000 sq ft scheme, which is being developed on the site of the former Scottish & Newcastle Brewery.   The remaining 100,000 sq ft of commercial space is marketed by Storeys:ssp.   The 17-storey development, which includes six separate buildings, is designed by Ian Simpson Architects. david.quinn@rbi.co.uk