Urban village will become ‘Ouseburn of west Newcastle‘
PLANS ARE UNVEILED FOR £250M DEVELOPMENT
PLANS for a £250m “urban village” that developers say could become “the Ouseburn of west Newcastle” have gone on display.
Developer Newby has revealed more details about its proposed Quayside West development on a derelict site next to the Metro Radio Arena.
Plans for the former Calders site on Skinnerburn Road include up to 1,500 homes as well as a hotel, bars, restaurants and green spaces.
The proposals, which Newby says would deliver up to 575 permanent jobs, went on display this week at a public exhibition at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Ben Sykes, of architect Faulkner Browns, said: “The vision is to create a residential area that’s more like Ouseburn, where there’s something to do, something that’s got a sense of place and is not just about sleeping and going to work.
“We think it can be to the west what Ouseburn is to the east.”
Mr Sykes added: “The site is close to the city centre. It’s not very well connected at the moment but we believe it can be.” The designs included: Up to 1,500 residential apartment units, including duplex, maisonettes and townhouses;
Development across approximately 15 blocks, up to 19 storeys high;
Up to 10,600 sq m of commercial floorspace, including studios/ offices, hotel, shops, bars and restaurants. There is also the potential for community infrastructure such as health centres, dentists, gym and creche to be accommodated;
And new east/west spine route and vehicle accesses.
The open spaces include a public park facing the Dunston Staithes, a tree-lined residential boulevard, a “cascade” of public squares, green spaces at the bases of buildings and a ridge-top pedestrian walkway linking up the site.
The site has been divided into five “character areas” – from a “mini destination” focusing on bars and restaurants, high density developments of townhouses, and a more “tranquil, neighbourhood feel” village.
Among members of the public who attended the exhibition was Esther Salaman, who said: “I pass the site on the bus over Redheugh Bridge regularly and wonder what’s going to happen to it.
“In principle I think it’s a great idea that there will be housing there as long as it’s affordable and a mixture of rented and shared ownership.
“With it having green spaces as well, I think it could be quite vibrant.”
Denise Spearman said: “I think it’s an interesting development and it’s good to see the plan for this site moving because the rest of the city is pretty much developed. “The designs look great.” Up until 2002, the Calders site was in industrial use. Since then it has stood empty, despite having benefited from planning approval for mixed use development, including residential properties.
Most recently, in 2009 Bellway Homes received planning approval for 528 new homes across 12 large blocks.
Developers hope to have the first residents on site by 2021.