DPP, on behalf of Monument Real Estate, has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of Cathedral Square, Newcastle.
Comprising an upward extension of three storeys and change of use of the office building to 135 1-bedroom short stay serviced apartments (Class C1) across 7 floors, along with the demolition of the 3 storey block on the north elevation and reconfiguration of ground floor to retain and enhance the commercial units.
Designed by xsite architecture, the proposals will significantly enhance the building and the wider Bigg Market area, creating a key focal building, by removing the current façade and re-elevating the building with an additional 3 storeys to recreate the historical massing of the previous Town Hall and Corn Exchange. The retention of commercial uses at ground floor and serviced apartments at the upper floors will also contribute to strengthening the daytime economy by increasing population in the urban core to align with the city-wide vision of ‘Connected Communities’ and encouraging spending in the city centre by attracting people to stay on a short-term basis for leisure or business.
DPP engaged with Newcastle City Council through extensive pre-application engagement in advance of the application submission with consultation taking place with an independent design review panel with Designe, NCAP, Historic England and the Cathedral alongside engagement with the LPA. All were supportive of the enhancements to the building. DPP also engaged with the LPA throughout the planning application process and successfully achieved planning permission. We look forward to working with Monument Real Estate and the wider team to support the delivery of this redevelopment.
Speaking about the approval, Helen Marks, Director at DPP, said:
After 2 years of hard work in collaboration with officers from Newcastle City Council, DPP is delighted to have received approval for this development to transform Cathedral Square at the heart of Newcastle’s Bigg Market.
Image: Peter Bailey @ PB
