New luxury hotel and golf complex planned Newcastle Airport
26.08.07
Sir John Hall has revealed multi-million pound plans to convert a rundown estate near Newcastle Airport into a luxury hotel and golf complex. The business tycoon who built the MetroCentre and was the majority shareholder in Newcastle United, is turning his attention to reviving the fortunes of historic Woolsington Hall, which stands in 340 acres of parkland close to Newcastle Airport.
The Hall family business, Cameron Hall Developments, bought the Woolsington estate in 1994, when Sir John was chairman of the football club, with the aim of turning it into a football academy. However, the club decided to build a new complex at Little Benton instead and Woolsington Hall, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century, which includes old stables and an orangery, has been standing empty and is on English Heritage's at-risk register.
Council chiefs were so worried about the state of the building that they have warned Sir John they are considering using legal powers under planning legislation to ensure it does not deteriorate further. But Sir John has now revealed that the family business has big plans for the Woolsington estate and is hoping to get council backing.
The original plan was for housing but the council was not happy with that because the site is within the Green Belt and close to the airport. The idea now is to convert the hall into a boutique-style hotel with around 40 bedrooms, restore the gardens, and build a golf course on the parkland, with an initial investment of around £5m.
Sir John said: 'We've been looking at what we can do at Woolsington Hall and have proposals which I hope the council can support.' He said he hopes to speak to the council next week.
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