Town Centre Securities PLC has received planning permission from Leeds City Council for the development, which includes a 134-room hotel and 4,000 sq ft restaurant in the Arena Quarter in Leeds.

Marco’s New York Italian, a 90-cover restaurant will open on the hotel’s ground floor in December 2016, as part of a franchise with Marco’s Black and White Hospitality business.

Nick Taplin, chief executive at Black and White Hospitality, said: “We are looking forward to starting work on this project, particularly because of the significance it holds for Marco with his debut site in Leeds.  

“The Arena Quarter offered the perfect location for us in the heart of the city. Located next to the first direct arena, which has rapidly established itself as one of the most in-demand venues in the world, the Arena Quarter is Leeds’ most exciting leisure destination.”

The restaurant will be designed by Hawkridge Design and managed by Interstate on behalf of TCS, who will retain the ownership of both properties.

The announcement is the latest phase in a programme of investment by Town Centre Securities in the Arena Quarter and Merrion Centre.

Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive of Town Centre Securities, said: “This is a landmark announcement for Leeds’ Arena Quarter.  The Ibis Styles Hotel will provide stylish accommodation for visitors to the city.

“Furthermore, welcoming the world-renowned and Leeds-born Marco Pierre White for his first restaurant in the city is tremendous news and a sign of the appeal of the Arena Quarter as a location.  His New York Italian brand will add something exciting to our dining offer, complementing the existing line-up of great brands.”