20-storey skyscraper coming to Gateshead
IT WILL INCLUDE STUDENT FLATS AND A CAFE
PLANS for a Gateshead skyscraper standing 20 storeys high have been given the go-ahead by planning chiefs.
The proposed development will stand on the corner of Mill Road and Hawks Road near the Baltic and will provide nearly 400 homes, as well as a cycle cafe and convenience shop.
Studio flats for students will account for 244 of these, while the remaining 142 units will provide a mixture of one, two and three-bed apartments.
Planning chiefs recommended the scheme for approval and the plans were given the green light at Gateshead Council’s planning committee meeting this week, subject to section 106 agreements and conditions.
This includes a ‘minimum’ of 60% of the development to be given over for student use only, as well as affordable housing accounting for 15% of the homes.
Planners previously gave the goahead last year to a 14-storey student tower spearheaded by Daisy Developments, also triggering the demolition of an eyesore former wine warehouse.
Since then, the land has been sold on to Primesite Developments, a Liverpool-based business which submitted plans for a £44m 17-storey development called Hawks Mill back in July.
This has now been increased to 20 storeys in a recent amendment, stepping down to 14 floors and then nine as it extends along Mill Road and Hawks Road respectively. Speaking on the decision, Bobbie Johnson, director at Primesite Developments, said: “We’re really pleased we’ve been given the go-ahead to transform what was disused space into quality accommodation, and it’s great to see the council are equally keen to breathe fresh life into Gateshead.
“Hawks Mill is surrounded by some of the North East’s most notable buildings and landmarks, is just a fifteen-minute walk away from Newcastle city centre, and will offer one of the best views of the Quayside. “We’re very proud to be working on this exciting new development as our first major project in the region.”
Although the proposed structure will provide student accommodation, it will not have links to either Newcastle University or Northumbria University.
The new tower block will be built in a ‘U’ shape with an enclosed central recreation garden area, and the ground floor could in future play host to a bar or restaurant.
Previous plans also included a library, gym, spa and a double height bar on the upper levels offering views of the River Tyne.
This includes a ‘minimum’ of 60% of the development to be given over for student use only, as well as affordable housing accounting for 15% of the homes.