Billingham Arms Hotel changes hands

THE Billingham Arms Hotel, on Teesside, has been sold to Wallsend businessman David Ladhar.

Christie & Co was instructed to dispose of the high turnover, three star commercial hotel, comprising of 69 letting bedrooms, two public bars, cocktail bar, two restaurants and a self-contained function suite, by John Snaith.

Mr Snaith plans to concentrate on his other business interests, which include the Golden Eagle near Stockton.

The Billingham Arms Hotel is next to Billingham Forum Sports Centre and theatre in the town centre, half a mile from the railway station.

The property was built in 1956 with a further accommodation added later.

BANK FOR SALE: An unusual property opportunity has come up in Bishop Auckland - the chance to buy a bank. The freehold of the Yorkshire in Newgate Street is due to be sold at auction later this month. According to London-based agents Jones Lang LaSalle, the building is expected to fetch about £400,000. A total of 20 bank properties are included in the auction which is due to be held at The Millennium Britannia Hotel in London's West End on September 27.

PREMISES TO LET: Christie & Co are offering restaurant premises to let at 12, Houndgate, Darlington. The building is a grade two listed business, and has a ground floor of approximately 1,500 sqft, with a first floor of approximately 1,150 sq ft. The building also has an enclosed walled rear garden. David Lee, of Christie & Co in Newcastle, said: "In our opinion this business represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced restaurateur to develop the premises into a restaurant