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Search the Public Notice Portal Plans have been unveiled for a new 59 bedroom boutique hotel next to Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough.
Designs have been drawn up for the “major new investment opportunity” on the land adjacent to the town’s only Grade I-listed building, off Hall Drive.
The project is hoped to boost investment, jobs, and footfall in the area while bringing more customers to Acklam Hall’s wedding and events business.
It comes just two years after a previous bid for a 55-bedroom hotel and spa were rejected after councillors argued it was “not in keeping with the historic building”.
Mayor Chris Cooke, land owner James Watson and architect Ben Wears at the site of a potential hotel next to Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Landowner James Watson, who runs Over Ice Business Consultants and Teesside Restaurant Week, said he believes there is a gap in the market for a new boutique hotel.
The 47-year-old said the venue, which would boast its own Victorian-style garden, has been designed to feature glass and local steel and to have its own identity away from Acklam Hall.
Plans for a 59 bedroom boutique hotel in Middlesbrough
(Image: PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS)
He also revealed that talks are already ongoing with national hotel brands, as well as potential investors and operators from the Far East.
“This is not just about a hotel, it is about investing in the long-term future of Acklam Hall and creating a sustainable destination,” James exclusively told The Northern Echo this week.
“I believe it is the right location and I just think it will be fantastic.
Plans for a 59 bedroom boutique hotel in Middlesbrough
(Image: PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS)
“This is the only Grade I-listed building in Middlesbrough and this will relaunch the brand of Acklam Hall. I believe there is a gap in the market in Teesside for a new boutique hotel.
“The purpose of this is to make Acklam Hall more of a destination - it is in the perfect position and it will also be creating local jobs.
Plans for a 59 bedroom boutique hotel in Middlesbrough
(Image: PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS)
“It would create a new revenue stream and strengthen the existing business.
“In a challenging hospitality market, additional income and reasons to visit the site are increasingly important.”
Pyramid Architectural Designs and director Ben Wears have led the architectural work, with James, who has known Ben for years, branding him “one of Teesside’s leading architects”.
Mayor Chris Cooke, land owner James Watson and architect Ben Wears at the site of a potential hotel next to Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
James said he hopes the hotel would be “transformational” for weddings, allowing guests to stay on site and strengthening Acklam Hall’s offer for larger events.
He said he had taken on board the feedback from the previous refused plans, which was described as “inappropriate” and also included a spa.
Plans for a 59 bedroom boutique hotel in Middlesbrough
(Image: PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS)
Historic England also objected to the previous scheme, which was described as looking “like an annexe” to the new building.
James' new hotel proposal is completely separate from the hall.
“When the application went in in 2019, it included a spa,” James, who is from Marton, said. “I removed the spa and got more room in instead. It is also not connected to the hall.
“It has got its own identity, taken away from the grade-listed building.
Plans for a 59 bedroom boutique hotel in Middlesbrough
(Image: PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS)
“The plans are emphasised on glass and local steel, and the fountain in the middle will be some form of artwork from Mackenzie Thorpe.”
He also thinks it will benefit those using the private Tees Valley Hospital, which would be located just behind the hotel.
Plans for a 59 bedroom boutique hotel in Middlesbrough
(Image: PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS)
James said he hopes that plans will be lodged in September, and if later approved by Stockton Borough Council, hopes construction could begin as early as late 2027.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said that Acklam Hall is a "unique venue in our town" and one that he hopes "has a successful future".
Ben Wears added: “With the help of my superb team, we’ve been fortunate enough to design this stunning hotel on the land to the side of the only Grade I-listed building in Middlesbrough.
Mayor Chris Cooke, land owner James Watson and architect Ben Wears at the site of a potential hotel next to Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“I went to Acklam Hall as a youngster while doing my A-levels so it brings me much joy to return to it and design something that pays homage to the stunning building which I spent some much time in.”
Acklam Hall history
Acklam Hall’s history began when William Hustler, a cloth merchant from Bridlington, wanted a country estate close to the River Tees from where he could trade.
It was owned by Sir Francis Boynton at the time - and while Hustler initially rented the site, he decided to buy the whole estate in 1637.
IMPRESSIVE: The exterior of Middlesbrough's only Grade I-listed building
At the time, this included the whole of Acklam as well as parts of Ayresome, Middlesbrough and Linthorpe, all of which were owned by the Boynton family.
In 1683, Hustler built the two-storey Acklam Hall - and for the next two centuries, it was occupied by generations of his family.
The hall retains many of the architectural features created when it was built in 1683, as well as those added in 1912 by architect Walter Brierley.
The Hustlers eventually left the hall and it was sold to the Middlesbrough Corporation in 1928, which opened it as a grammar school for boys in 1935.
By 1967, the grammar school the Grammar School merged with Kirby Girls' Grammar School to form the co-educational Acklam High School.
More recently, Acklam Hall was a sixth form and latterly Middlesbrough College until it moved to a new purpose-built campus in Middlehaven in 2008.
The land was then sold by the council in 2014 for £907,000
From 2008 until to 2015, the venue stood empty, with Acklam Hall Ltd finally starting work on its restoration in 2014.
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It reopened in 2016 as a wedding venue, restaurant and office space.
Tomahawk Steakhouse then opened in the hall in 2020, taking over the Brierley restaurant.
People are invited to see the hotel concept at Acklam Hall on September 3 between 4pm and 6pm, where they can hear more about the project and meet the team behind it.