Local Stories. National Growth – The journey of Hotel Gotham Newcastle
16th March 2026
Each year, VisitEngland leads English Tourism Week, a national celebration of our tourism industry and everything that makes England a remarkable place to visit.
The occasion highlights the world-class experiences English tourism offers and the positive impact it has on visitors and local communities.
Tourism is one of England’s biggest and most valuable industries. It supports hundreds of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, provides over two million jobs and brings around £127 billion to the economy each year.
This year’s English Tourism Week (13–22 March) theme is Local Stories. National Growth. The North East is home to many tourism organisations whose work strengthens both their communities and the wider national picture. Like Hotel Gotham Newcastle.
The five-star hotel is housed in a Grade II listed building on Pilgrim Street, originally constructed between 1931 and 1933 as the city’s fire station, police station and magistrates’ court.
The transformation breathed new life into a tired, derelict building, with the designers thoughtfully embracing its history. The former engine room is now the hotel’s Fire bar, retaining its industrial character, while spaces once used for police and court services have been reimagined as bedrooms and event areas.
Throughout the interiors, 1930s inspired Art Deco design, rich materials and dramatic lighting reflect the era in which the building was constructed, while original features and historical details have been carefully preserved.
“Hotel Gotham Newcastle’s deep-rooted connection to the city is central to both our growth and our contribution to the wider UK hospitality landscape. Our building itself is a landmark, once home to Newcastle’s Fire Station, Police Station, and Courtrooms, and we’ve preserved that history throughout the hotel with curated memorabilia, photography, and design elements. This strong sense of place resonates with our guests, creating experiences that are authentic, memorable, and uniquely Newcastle.
“Our team further strengthens this connection. Many of our staff have longstanding ties to the city and a real passion for sharing its stories. Their knowledge and hospitality create an atmosphere that is personal, warm, and distinctly local, consistently enhancing guest satisfaction and driving repeat business. (Pictured is Jorge, a concierge at the hotel.)
“Finally, our partnerships with local suppliers, from food and drink to experiences and events, embed us within the wider community. By supporting local businesses and collaborating with them creatively, we not only deliver exceptional offerings for our guests but also contribute to Newcastle’s economic and cultural growth.
“Together, these connections with our guests, team and business partners enable Hotel Gotham Newcastle to thrive, demonstrating how a hotel can celebrate local heritage and community. In doing so, we set an example for UK hospitality, showing how strong local engagement can drive both business success and wider industry impact.”