Absolute Leisure's £10m quayside plan

One of the North East's leading leisure operators has unveiled its plans to build a £10m office and restaurant complex at one of the region's most prestigious locations.

Absolute Leisure is to transform its site at Hillgate Quay, Gateshead - currently occupied by floating nightclub the Tuxedo Princess - with plans to build a split-level unit comprising four restaurants and office space covering in excess of 50,000sq ft.

Plans for the Princess Quay development are being put before Gateshead Council and could be passed this year, with the one-year build expected to begin four months after the final permissions have been given.

The plans will see the Tuxedo Princess move away from the quayside and a number of alternative sites are currently being considered for "the boat".

The ambitious project is part of Absolute Leisure's diversification into new areas. The company recently bought York's leading conference and events venue, the Barbican, which will undergo a multi-million pound refurbishment this year. Other recent developments include the building of 36 upmarket apartments in Newcastle city centre at Blackfriars.

"Although Absolute Leisure will always operate leisure venues, we are also investing in prestige landmark projects, which show our confidence in the local economy," said managing director Tony Knox.

Other new projects being carried out by the company include substantial redevelopment and upgrade for the Lounge in Newcastle; this will include a new dining area with an open-plan kitchen and a complete redesign of the nightclub, which will continue to focus on over 25s.

Absolute Leisure is also investing heavily in its Whitby property, the Angel Hotel, with plans for a complete redevelopment including a new 150-cover fish

restaurant.