Igloo submits Ouseburn Wildlife Garden plans

The developer wants to deliver the brownfield pocket of land at the mouth of the Ouseburn alongside urban landscape designer Layer.studio.

The proposals for a wildlife garden went down well with residents during a public consultation, with the aim of improving the area’s ecological biodiversity through plants, insects, and wildlife.

Other suggestions for the land included using it as a space for educational events like bird watching.

igloo is already present in the area, having developed The Malings and Lower Steenberg Yard, and with proposals in place for Malmo and Spillers Quay.

The developer plans to introduce native species and have an upkeep routine focused on protecting nature.

For that reason, public access will be restricted to protect the plants and animals.

igloo will invest in the initial work and a community land trust will be set up for the proposed Malmo and Spillers Quay developments to maintain the garden.

Newcastle City Council hasn’t set a date to consider the proposal yet.

Alec Hamlin, development director at igloo, said: “This is a wonderful part of the city – an urban, vibrant place that can be enjoyed by everyone, and we want to make sure that – as it continues to evolve, there is a natural home for wildlife.”

Fred Plater, owner of Tyne Bar, said: “I’m massively in support of the plans for a Wildlife Garden; it will be a wonderful addition to the scarce green areas in Ouseburn, and it’s vitally important that wildlife is nurtured in the diverse profile of Ouseburn.”