International hotel chain Marriott International is set to open a new hotel on campus at the end of 2020, with the ground-breaking taking place today, making the University an even more attractive destination for events, conferences and other visitors. The investment and building costs are being met entirely by the franchisee.

The 150-bedroom Courtyard by Marriott Hotel will boast a restaurant and bar, meeting rooms, and fitness suite. The hotel, set to be managed by Tower Hotel Management, will also have 180 new parking spaces created around it.

The hotel will be located near to the main entrance to campus on the Science and Innovation Park, and adjacent to the new Smart Innovation Hub which houses the Business School and business incubator units.

Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice Chancellor of Keele University said: “This is a landmark day for Keele and for North Staffordshire. Today’s ground-breaking is an important milestone because it reflects the ambition and success of the University over the past few years, as well as the benefits that can be obtained from working in partnership with others.

“The hotel that is now starting to emerge has been an ambition for a long time, one which will raise the profile of the area and bring more people to this part of the world.”

Peter de la Perrelle, Managing Director at Tower Hotel Management said: “It was a pleasure to attend the ground-breaking ceremony today at Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park campus, it is the mark of great things to come for both the university and visitors to the park. We look forward to seeing the build progressing over the coming months and to welcoming our first guests next year.”

The new hotel will allow visitors and conference delegates to stay on campus instead of travelling to overnight accommodation further afield. We also expect the hotel to be popular with visiting parents, Keele Hall wedding guests, and during our graduation and open days.

The multiple organisations based across the Science and Innovation Park will also benefit from being able to accommodate visiting staff and guests overnight.