Eye-catching plans to transform a prominent Newcastle city centre office block into 135 serviced apartments have won the backing of councillors.
Newcastle-based asset management firm Monument Real Estate has secured detailed planning consent for the redevelopment of 2 Cathedral Square in the heart of the Bigg Market.
Designed by Xsite Architecture, the proposals will see the building’s upper floors, which is also home to businesses including Simply Greek and Revolucion de Cuba at ground level, repurposed as serviced apartments available for short-term let.
A three-storey extension will be added on top of the building which will restore its height to that of the old Town Hall and the Corn Exchange which once stood on the site. New facades will transform the appearance of the 1970’s building, bringing it more in line with surrounding historic properties.
Also within the proposals, a three-storey block further down the Cloth Market will be demolished to open up the area to pedestrians with the intention of restoring the historic street pattern and provide views along the Cloth Market.
Tom Wooldridge, director and founder of Monument, said: “As a result of last week’s positive decision, our redevelopment of 2 Cathedral Square will see the building’s original height reinstated, a new façade introduced to better reflect its historic surroundings, and major improvements made to the public spaces, including widened footpaths, new lighting, and better pedestrian access.
“Newcastle has an under supply of serviced apartments when compared to other major regional UK cities. With nearby office developments such as Bank House approaching full occupancy and HMRC’s new HQ at Pilgrims Quarter launching soon, the demand for flexible accommodation in the city centre is set to only increase further, so we are very pleased to get the green light. Providing more opportunities for visitors to stay in the city centre can only have a positive effect on the local economy.”
Revisions to the scheme during the application process included a reduction in the number of apartments from 139 to 135 together with provision for a fitness room, business lounge and resident’s lounge.
Helen Marks, director at urban planning consultancy DPP which represented Monument Real Estate, said: “We are absolutely delighted that after two years of working in close collaboration with officers from Newcastle City Council that the planning committee has supported the proposals for the conversion and extension of Cathedral Square. The scheme which has the support of Historic England and NE1 will, once delivered, support the wider regeneration of the Bigg Market and support the local economy.”
