A MULTI-MILLION pound investment at a Darlington hotel has reached its first milestone with the opening of a new £500,000 suite.

The new look Bruhenny Suite shows the five-year remodelling and refurbishment plan at Blackwell Grange is well underway.

The suite has undergone a complete transformation and includes a show-stopping fireplace, new upstairs bar with an extensive drinks menu and all new interiors.

Dawn Raine, general manager at Blackwell since 2005, said: “The final look has exceeded all of our expectations. The feature fireplace is beautiful, and with six new roof lights the space is now bathed in natural light, which makes it feel so bright and airy. I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of happy guests attending weddings, events and meetings.”

The complete refurbishment of Blackwell Lounge and the main reception has also been completed and the majority of the hotel’s public areas will be finished before the end of April.

The new interiors of the Bruhenny Suite were the work of Simon Bartlett, managing director of Simon Bartlett Interiors. He said: “The hotel is a magnificent building, which is steeped in history and with that in mind, we have steered away from a modernistic approach and have instead looked at the classic features to revert this back to its former splendour.

“The design combines new and old grand design, with plump upholstered seating with deep button fabrics and vintage finishes; creating a classic, timeless design with plenty of atmosphere.”

The renovation of the suite was entrusted to Niven Architects of Darlington. Simon Crowe, director, said: “The refurbishment has seen the room transform into a light, spacious and high quality wedding and conference venue which will re-establish Blackwell Grange Hotel as a ‘destination’ in Darlington and the surrounding region.”

The hotel is now taking bookings for weddings in the Bruhenny Suite. It seats 180 for dinner and 140 for a dinner dance.

The main hotel bar – the Blackwell Bar – will reopen on Friday, March 23, and on March 26, work will begin on what was known as the Parlour. It will become the Elk Room, Miss Allan Bar and the Havelock Bar and should be complete on April 19.