Hotel group Park Plaza has strengthened its position in the UK by acquiring the freeholds of two hotels that it had been running under management agreements.

The Netherlands-based group secured the full ownership of Park Plaza Leeds and Park Plaza Nottingham and plans to invest heavily in the improvement of both properties.

Boris Ivesha, Park Plaza Hotels' president & CEO said: "We are excited about the long term prospects both hotels offer. Having operated both of these hotels since opening, we are very familiar with them and we will continue to build on their strengths. Renovation programmes for both hotels will be planned shortly."

The 185-bedroom Park Plaza Leeds opened in 2003 and is located on city square.

Facilities include a Chino Latino-branded Restaurant & Bar; the Scene! Bar; 11 meeting rooms with space for up to 140 delegates; a fully equipped gym and business centre.

Launched in 2002, the 178-bedroom Park Plaza Nottingham is located in the city centre and houses a Chino Latino Restaurant & Bar, a lobby bar, 12 meeting rooms, a fitness suite and business centre.

Park Plaza Hotels currently operates 2,893 hotel rooms in the UK.