InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter to anchor the emerging business district adjacent to Newcastle Central Station.

Under the leadership of Newcastle-based developer Silverlink, the 251-room hotel will operate under a management agreement with IHG.

The hotel will boast the largest conference and banqueting space in central Newcastle, leading the way in conference services across the North East.

Guests of Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter can also enjoy complimentary access to the Health and Fitness Suite, pool, sauna and gym. The range of meeting and spa facilities will ensure that both leisure and business travellers are catered for.

Situated on a historic site, the soon to be developed Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter is also home to the Boiler Shop warehouse, once used by English civil engineer Robert Stephenson to design and build his pioneering steam locomotive, Rocket.

IHG’s chief development officer Europe, Robert Shepherd, said: “To be at the heart of Newcastle’s strategic regeneration, delivering a great new hotel and to be creating economic growth, providing employment and training opportunities, is something we are very proud of and excited about.

“The Crowne Plaza hotels global portfolio has doubled since 2003 to nearly 400 hotels, with a further 98 in the pipeline due to open in the next three to five years.”