Part of a city centre office block is set to be transformed into 35 new flats.
The 1970s Cathedral Square is spread over two buildings overlooking the Bigg Market and Newcastle Cathedral, and is known as the start point for the annual Blaydon Race. Now, a year after the building was snapped up in a deal worth £8m, new owners Monument Real Estate are poised to convert vacant office space in 2 Cathedral Square into new city centre homes.
The firm said it is delighted to secure the building’s future, as well as aiding the city council ’s aims to make Newcastle a ‘15-minute city’. The ‘15 minute city’ concept forms part of the Net Zero Newcastle - 2030 Action Plan and revolves around the principle that everyone has access to local goods, services and leisure within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride of their home.
Read More: Demolition work begins to tear down one of Newcastle city centre's ugliest buildings
After getting planning consent to develop 35 new residential units, Monument is working to secure full planning consent before the end the year, with a view to starting conversion works in 2023. The firm has also completed a lease renewal at 1 Cathedral Square, which will see the Secretary of State – the Jobcentre on the ground floor and the Government offices above – remain in occupation of 37,000 sq ft of office space until at least 2028. Other occupiers across the two properties include Revolucion da Cuba bar, Photoline and the Co-op Bank.
Tom Wooldridge, executive director and founder of Monument, said: “On the first anniversary of our purchase we have delivered both the lease renewal and residential consent which together make for a very promising and exciting future for Cathedral Square.
“Our proposed development of 2 Cathedral Square will see vacant offices repurposed under Permitted Development Rights for an alternative use, where there is genuine demand. Our designs for the residential scheme will have a positive impact on the building and continue the fantastic regeneration journey of this city centre location.”
Tim Bailey, partner at Xsite Architecture, who is working with Monument on the residential plans, said: “We are delighted to have helped gain this permission. Repurposing existing buildings is a key part of our sustainable futures and changing use to accelerate a vibrant mixed-use city centre aligns with Newcastle’s ambitions for a ‘15-minute city’.”
Read next:
Home of famed North East architect John Dobson and demolished Liquid nightclub set for office revamp
