National Conference Centre is the new name for the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull in the West Midlands. Why rebrand? The conference centre believes it has been overshadowed by the museum and that now is the time to branch out and market their meeting and event facilities under their own banner.

National Conference Centre is one of the largest conference centres in the country. It encompasses 4,550 sq-mt of flexible event space, 13 meeting and event rooms two of which will seat over 800 guests for a dinner, 10,000 sq-mt of external event space and over 2000 hotel bedrooms across the price range within a five minute drive.

All suites at the National Conference Centre have state-of-the-art audio visual technology - with an onsite technical team to offer assistance. There is free wi-fi throughout. Some of the suites also have built-in bars, mood lighting and removable dance floors. Catering is in-house.

National Conference Centre is located at the heart of the midlands motorway network at the M42J6 / A45 junction and close to the M40, M6 and M5 motorways – with free parking for 500 cars.  It neighbours Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International Station and is close to Birmingham’s city centre.
 
Details:   www.nationalconferencecentre.co.uk


Kedleston Country House has opened on the Kedleston Estate, a stone’s throw from the Peak District in Derbyshire. Formerly the Kedleston Hotel, the 250-year old property has undergone a £1.3million revamp restoring the building to its original Georgian design.

Kedleston Country House has five individually-styled bedrooms including two suites. As well as the restaurant, the hotel also features an orangery overlooking the gardens plus a hidden study, snug and parlour featuring burnt oak floorboards and painted wooden panelling.

Kedleston Country House is now part of the Derby Brewing Company.

Details: www.thekedleston.co.uk

 


Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter has opened alongside Newcastle Central Station and Metro. It is the anchor building in Newcastle's developing Stephenson Quarter. The hotel is on the site of the former Robert Stephenson and Co. Locomotive Works, home of the world’s first passenger train where the revolutionary 'Rocket' was built in 1829.

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter has 251 bedrooms and suites all with free wireless internet access. Food is served throughout the day in the ground floor restaurant and bar. Leisure facilities include a 10m swimming pool and gymnasium, steam room and spa bath plus three treatment rooms.

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter has nine adaptable meeting rooms that can accommodate from 12 to over 400 delegates theatre style.  The main Stephenson Suite is a 12-sided, pillar-free room with its own pre-event area. All rooms have built-in screens and the latest technology.

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter is within easy walking distance of central Newcastle attractions including St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United Football Club, The Quayside, Sage Gateshead and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

Details: www.ihg.com

Glaziers Hall in London has just opened its new-look Banqueting Hall. The new Banqueting Hall has floor to ceiling draping and a state of the art LED lighting system offering a spectrum of colours designed for gala dinners, awards ceremonies, fashion shows and product launches.

The new Banqueting Hall is one of five flexible event spaces spread over two floors at Glaziers Hall. The rooms will accommodate from 10 to 600 guests for corporate events, presentations, conferences, receptions and dinners.

Glaziers Hall is situated between the River Thames and London’s Southbank, overlooking the river and adjacent to London Bridge. Glaziers Hall is well served by public transport, including river taxis, with both London Bridge and Waterloo stations a short walk away.

Details:  www.glaziershall.co.uk


Details of a new development in the centre of Chester have just been submitted to the local Council. The £300million Northgate Development includes a new hotel as a replacement for the existing Crowne Plaza Chester.

The new hotel would include 168-bedrooms, spa and conference facilities, a rooftop restaurant and public car parking. It would be built a short distance away from the existing hotel. The space it leaves behind is earmarked for department stores and additional parking space in the centre of Chester.

The plan also envisages a new library. The former library space would be used for residential units plus restaurants and bars to complement the neighbouring £37million theatre, cinema and library development.

A decision from Cheshire West and Chester Council is awaited

Details:  www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk