A well-known historic hotel in the Tees Valley is set for a £2m upgrade after being bought by a company that owns a number of unique wedding venues.

The Croft Hotel, a landmark Grade II listed building in Croft-on-Tees has been bought by Newcastle-based The Apartment Group, who also own a number of wedding venues, bars and restaurants across the North East including Le Petite Château in Otterburn, As You Like It in Newcastle, and Whitworth Hall in County Durham.

Renovations will begin as soon as possible with the new owners adding six new bedrooms to take the total to 30, and creating a new 'Chapel' space, as well as other improvements across the hotel’s restaurant. The expanded venue is expected to be ready to host weddings and events this summer.

All current staff will remain in their roles, with another 30 jobs expected to be created during the course of the upgrade works.

Designed by Durham Cathedral architect Ignatius Bonomi, the Croft Hotel originally opened in the 19th century for visitors coming to the village to sample the famous sulphurous mineral waters from the local spring. They would arrive via the long-since demolished Croft Spa train station.

It's the sixteenth venue in The Apartment Group's portfolio, although they already have their next acquisition lined up, with plans for further expansion into Yorkshire.

Darlington and Stockton Times: An artist's impression of how the 'Chapel' area of The Croft Hotel will look after the refurbishment is complete.An artist's impression of how the 'Chapel' area of The Croft Hotel will look after the refurbishment is complete. (Image: The Apartment Group)

Apartment Group founder Duncan Fisher says: "Each of our wedding venues has its own character and its own story, and the Croft Hotel fits extremely well with this concept.

“Over 100 years ago, people travelled from all over Europe to enjoy the luxurious services and healing properties of the Croft Hotel & Natural Spa waters, and we want to reinstate this enviable reputation.

“The investment and development programme that’s now underway will put its facilities on a par with all our other locations sister hotels. We can’t wait to share our vision with our first wedding parties taking place this summer, especially the reveal of the new Enchanted wedding Chapel which is going to be spectacularly romantic!

“We are renowned for creating fabulous and unique spaces, designed specifically to deliver the perfect wedding every time, and with our ‘Affordable Luxury’ packages we are able to offer an unforgettable day for even the smallest budget at any of our venues.”

Stuart Bailey, CEO of The Apartment Group, adds: “Plans for our next acquisitions are already well advanced, and locations such as Leeds, York and Manchester are very much on our radar.