Developer Brookgate, contractor McAleer & Rushe and funder/operator AccorInvest have celebrated the start of work at their Cambridge North site today. A ground-breaking ceremony marked the significant milestone for the project that will bring over 60 full time jobs to the area, as well as providing many employment opportunities throughout the construction phase.

Located at Cambridge Square next to the station and due to open in Autumn 2020, the 217-bed Novotel will feature a restaurant, bar, gym, 10m swimming pool and conference facilities, providing much needed amenities around the station ahead of further development that will bring additional homes, shops and offices.

It is the first commercial building to start on site since the opening of Cambridge North station in May 2017 after many years in the planning.

Sven Topel, Chief Executive of Brookgate, said:

“We’re delighted to celebrate the start of construction today. It’s a key step forward in the development of Cambridge North and the hotel will be a catalyst for bringing life, jobs and amenities to the area and encouraging further phases of the masterplan to progress.”

Mark Elliott, Contracts Director at McAleer & Rushe Contracts UK, said:

“We are very proud to be appointed as the main design & build partner on the first development to this exciting revitalisation masterplan of Cambridge North and this also marks an important milestone for us as our first project in the city. We look forward to working collaboratively with all partners involved including Brookgate and AccorInvest to deliver this high quality hotel project to the local community and visitors.”

Olivier Daguzan, Chief Operating Officer at AccorInvest, said:

“We’re excited to participate to this celebration which marks the start of the construction. This is a key milestone for this project, which is one of the first fully funded by AccorInvest since the official creation of the company in May 2018.”