Hopes of breathing new life into a derelict Newcastle nurses’ home have moved a step closer to reality.
The historic Angel Heights in the city’s West End could be transformed into 57 new “high end” flats, under plans that have now been submitted to Newcastle City Council for approval. The project, first unveiled by developer Jomast last year, would also see 12 duplex style apartments built at the back of the Westgate Road site.
Angel Heights, which is one of the most prominent buildings in the West End, opened in 1925 and provided accommodation for nurses working at the neighbouring Newcastle General Hospital. It was later turned into a hostel for asylum seekers, but has now been abandoned for some years.
Read More: Look back at life inside the derelict former Newcastle nurses' home which could be transformed
After lodging a planning application for the regeneration scheme, Jomast development director Adam Hearld said: “Our plans provide for a fantastic residential development and an investment for young, aspirational professionals. We have listened to the views of local people who have given the scheme their unequivocal backing and want to see the former nurses’ home revitalised and repurposed.”
Planning consultants Lichfields said that 100% of local residents who replied to a public consultation launched last December were in favour of the redevelopment of Angel Heights going ahead. They added that building work on the site could start this winter, should the city council’s planning committee give their backing to the project this summer.
Robert Dibden, associate director at Lichfields’ Newcastle office, said: “More properties are desperately needed to meet the housing shortage and provide young people with good homes in an area that they would want to live in, close to other exciting new developments like the Newcastle Centre for Ageing and Vitality.
“Redevelopment of Angel Heights would help to address this shortage, bringing a good, sustainable site back to life after years of decline, delivering more quality housing for Newcastle.”
If approved, the scheme would follow on from the recently-agreed redevelopment of the former Westgate Road police station next door to Angel Heights.
After a lengthy planning dispute that ultimately resulted in proposals for a Burger King on the disused police station site being dropped, revised designs were finally given the green light in March. A £5m overhaul will see part of the vacant building converted into 15 apartments, while a drive-thru restaurant or café is still included – but it will not be occupied by Burger King, McDonalds, or any other hot food operator.
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