Toon landmark set for facelift

Nov 29 2009 Sunday Sun

THE former home of Scottish & Newcastle breweries is steadying itself for a multi-million pound makeover. Here, DAN WARBURTON catches up with the man behind the bid, Mitchell Gaglardi . . .

THE TOON might already be black and white . . . but now one of Tyneside’s most iconic buildings could be getting a similar facelift.

Earlier this year Northland Properties, based in Vancouver, acquired the former home of Scottish & Newcastle breweries , next to St James’ Park, in a multi-million pound deal from Liverpool-based developer Downing.

And in keeping with Tyneside’s proud football heritage, the Gallowgate building could be painted a Magpies shade of black and white.

The former brewery is to be turned into a four-star hotel after the Canadian company bought the striking 13-storey block.

Now it plans to completely refurbish the structure and develop a development with 170 rooms known as the Sandman Signature, which will boast views across Newcastle city centre.

The hotel is expected to create 150 jobs when it opens for business in summer 2011.

And last night the man behind the venture, Mitch Gaglardi, director of Sandman Hotel Group UK, spoke of his love of the city.

He said: “When I was a student in Canada at the University of British Columbia I had a friend I did some favours for, and in return she would bring round a four-pack of Newcastle Brown Ale.

“I bumped into her after I had moved to Newcastle and she immediately thought I had come to the North East just for the beer.

“I had to explain that I hadn’t moved to the city just so I could get more of my favourite ale.

“But I’m excited about this new development. We are going to trying and bring a little bit of Canadian hospitality to the city.

“We are planning to turn it in to one of our signature hotels, with 170 rooms with a bar and restaurant on the ground floor.