Langham Hotels International has signed a management agreement for Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza, Ningbo with Ningbo Culture Plaza Investment & Development Company Limited. The move marks the luxury hotel operator’s first flag in one of China’s strategic second tier cities.
The deepwater port city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province on China’s Eastern seaboard is home to one of the world’s top five container ports. Located just two hours from Shanghai and linked by a 33km cross-sea bridge, the ancient Silk Road city of Ningbo is a crucial modern economic as well as a regional artistic hub.
The Ningbo Culture Plaza has been earmarked as one of the city’s key developments for the arts, fashion and retail industries. The multi-use complex will include commercial, educational, recreational, retail, gallery, exhibition and theatre space. The 140-room property, including seven suites, is located in two distinctive low-rise towers linked by a modern art deco corridor. Set to open in late 2011, Langham Place will form the centerpiece of the local arts and cultural hub.
Dai Zhiyong, General Manager of Ningbo Culture Plaza Investment & Development Company Limited said, “We’re delighted to be introducing one of the most exciting and creative hospitality brands to Ningbo. The modern and inspiring energy of the Langham Place brand perfectly complements everything the Culture Plaza stands for as a place for lovers of the creative arts.”
Brett Butcher, Chief Executive Officer of Langham Hotels International said, “The partnership with Ningbo Culture Plaza Investment & Development Company Limited is a strategic milestone for Langham Hotels International as we expand into more key cities in China.”
With Langham Place’s strong emphasis on the arts, the hotel will masquerade as an art gallery, with a carefully-curated collection of exciting local art pieces. The modern property will also host the city’s key art functions and other events in its dynamic spaces including a state-of-the-art 8,934 sq ft ballroom and five versatile meeting rooms. Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza will introduce three dining concepts. Ming Court, a sibling of its two-Michelin Star counterpart in Hong Kong, serving Cantonese and local specialties; an all-day dining restaurant and a specialty restaurant and bar.
Recognizing that today’s guests often work and then relax in the same space, the group’s signature Portal – Work & Play will also be introduced and the latest state-of-the-art technology will be used for complete connectivity while DJs spin lounge tunes in the evening.
The vibrant and entertaining art hotel is balanced with the introduction of a modern health club and swimming pool as well as the group’s signature Chuan Spa, offering treatments based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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