Images of how the development of two new hotels at a historic site in Dundee will look have been released.

Focus Hotels Management Ltd, in partnership with InterContinental Hotels Group and developers Percor Capital, are to transform the Bell Mill and North Mill at the disused former Baxter Brothers jute mill complex off Constable Street into two modern hotels.

Hotel Indigo Dundee, comprising 102 guest rooms and the 85 guest room Staybridge Suites Dundee will open in 2018.

Designed to preserve the rich history of the site, many of the boutique Hotel Indigo’s public areas will highlight the site’s former use as a significant jute mill, while also paying homage to some other key themes Dundee is famed for; marmalade, games, fresh produce and the press. A games section will be available for guests to enjoy along with a cosy meeting area called ‘The Den’, a fully-equipped gym, a bar and a restaurant.

Staybridge Suites meanwhile will also offer a breakfast area, a small retail complex, a spacious lounge, a laundry room and a meeting area.

The hotels are being created as part of an extensive redevelopment of the former home of one of Dundee’s largest linen dynasties, which began when William Baxter, in partnership with his eldest son Edward, built his first spinning mill on the Dens Burn in 1822. The company expanded to become one of the world’s largest linen manufacturers, employing as many as 5,000 people in the 1870s.

The architectural legacy of the area is being faithfully restored throughout the restoration project, with the developers working in close partnership with Historic Environment Scotland. One of the bell towers is a listed building that was modelled on the beautiful Santa Maria della Salute in Venice.

Peter Cashman, chief executive officer of Focus Hotels Management Ltd, said: “This exciting refurbishment project will bring much-needed investment into the east end of Dundee’s city centre, and we look forward to welcoming guests from all over the UK and Europe in 2018.

“Both hotels are in an excellent location and the high-quality design, facilities and standards set to be achieved will ensure that our guests have a memorable and comfortable stay.

“With other ongoing projects in the pipeline, we are looking forward to the prospect of growing the Focus Hotels Management portfolio in Scotland.”

Rob Corlett, director of Percor Capital, added: “We started this process in November 2013 and it is extremely pleasing to see it now come to fruition. Our aim throughout, has been to ensure that the entire site became fully used for the first time in nearly 40 years whilst maintaining the historic internal and external features of the Mill. The Indigo franchise, in particular, will work extremely well with this objective whilst also creating significant new employment within the City.

“Dundee City Council have been exceptionally helpful and supportive of our plans as we all strived to preserve a Grade A listed building of historical significance within the local community.”