Marriott hotel planned for Manor Mill complex

AN INTERNATIONAL hotel chain is to open a venue at a £100m riverside development in Hull city centre.

Marriott, which has properties in more than 70 countries, will operate a 185-bedroom hotel at the Manor Mill scheme.

It will feature conference and banqueting facilities, a fitness centre and rooms equipped with high-speed Internet access, designed to appeal to the corporate travel market.

Business leaders have welcomed the decision by Marriott to sign up to the new development, saying Hull needs more "quality hotels".

The Manor Mill complex, next to Drypool Bridge, will create 400 full-time jobs. Another 150 construction and demolition jobs will be secured during the life of project.

East Yorkshire-based developers Manor Property Group confirmed Marriott had signed up to operate a hotel in the development.

Phil Akrill, managing director of Manor Property Group, said: "Awarding the first of many major contracts to develop this site is a significant move for the company and for Hull.

"The recession has hit the development industry hard and is not over yet. We feel fortunate to be in a position to commence works."

Mr Akrill said the site was one of several key strategic locations being developed in Hull, but was by far the most ambitious.

The scheme includes a 23-storey residential tower block, which will be Hull's tallest building once it is completed.

He said: "We hope our initiative sends out a positive message. The development will not only create numerous new facilities for the city but re-energise the east bank."

The announcement that Marriott has signed up to the project is a major step forward.

The group will operate the hotel under its Courtyard by Marriott brand and will be only the second to be built in the UK.

The brand's hotels offer "ergonomic workspaces" and 24-hour access to food and hot breakfast buffets.

Richard Kendall, policy executive at the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is fantastic news that this project is still going ahead. We desperately need more quality hotels in the city centre, so it's very positive that Marriott recognises the potential here."