Work is now underway on a multimillion pound hotel and restaurant development at Exeter International Airport. Contractor Denizen has begun initial works to build the new Hampton by Hilton hotel and Marco Pierre White Frankies New York Italian restaurant – a collaboration between celebrity chef Marco Pierre White and champion jockey Frankie Dettori.
The 120-bedroom hotel will boast a range of contemporary features including HD television in all bedrooms, walk-in shower rooms, air conditioning and free wi-fi throughout, while the 85-seater Frankies New York Italian will offer a wide range of authentic homemade pizzas, pastas, seafood and steaks.
About a mile from junction 29 of the M5 motorway the building of this new hotel is the latest in a series of investments that has seen the east of Exeter enjoy a period of significant economic growth.
This includes the opening of the new Flybe training academy and infrastructure work at Growth Point around junction 29 of the M5. This has coincided with a rise in passenger numbers at Exeter International Airport.
Both venues are owned by Guernsey-based investment fund Blackstone and operated by Sanguine Hospitality Limited, a hotel management and development company.
Nick Taplin, MD at Sanguine Hospitality, said: “The start of work on site marks a major milestone in our ambitions for the site. We are really excited about our plans for Exeter Airport as we bid to bring together two prestigious brands, Hampton by Hilton and Marco Pierre White’s Frankies, under one roof.
“We have forged a strong relationship with Marco in recent years, delivering our core ethos of affordable glamour at restaurants across the country. With the continued support of our partners at Exeter Airport, we are confident that this development will enjoy the same success.
“Exeter airport is one of the most progressive in the country. Its location at the heart of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point makes it a key factor in the future prosperity of the area.
“We see this as an area of strong economic and tourism growth and the airport’s strong relationship with Flybe is also very significant.”
Max Wright, director at the Flybe Training Academy, added: “It’s great news that work has started on site. The hotel development is a key part of the airport’s masterplan and will provide first class accommodation for passengers of the airport and students at the Flybe Training Academy.”
Barry Donoghue, commercial director at Denizen Contracts, said: “There is no doubt that the arrival of these two great venues will be a popular and much talked-about event among the people of Exeter.
“The build process will reflect that level of anticipation and we are determined to deliver a site that more than lives up to those high expectations.”