The site is located next to Lonsdale Court and Jesmond Place. Credit: via beseenbeheard

Modo Bloc and Greatspace Architects team up on Jesmond project

Plans submitted to Newcastle City Council seek to demolish a derelict working men’s club and build a 43-apartment sustainable development.

George Jenkins of Modo Bloc and Benjamin Kinch, founder of Greatspace, met at Northumbria University in 2005 while Jenkins was studying real estate and Kinch was reading architecture.

This scheme is the brainchild of the duo, who both lived in the West Jesmond neighbourhood during their student days.

The wider project team consists of DPP Planning Consultants, Jasper Kerr, Apex Acoustic, Sarah Dyer Heritage Consultant, T20, SAJ Transport Consultant, LayerStudio Landscape Architect, Elliot Con Arboriculturalist, OS Ecology Ecologist and Roberts Environmental.

The site has been designed to be vehicle-free, and is next to a Metro line which runs along the western side of the land.

Two residential buildings would be positioned around a central landscaped area, and all the apartments would all be one- or two-bedrooms.

Greatspace Architects, based in Hexham in Northumberland, designs towards Passivhaus standards and reducing carbon use.

Design aspects of the buildings have been inspired by lost local Jesmond landmarks like the West Jesmond Metro Station platform covers and Jesmond Picture House, such as the concrete ground floor, brick upper storeys, and green precast detailing.

Kinch said: “It was an honour to be asked by George to design a building with such vision and heart, especially on a site that holds deep significance for the locals and for us personally…

“The scheme is underpinned by sustainable design principles, incorporating biodiversity enhancements, low-carbon energy solutions, on site energy generation, and infrastructure for active travel.

“Crucially, the proposals have been developed in close collaboration with officers at the Local Planning Authority to ensure alignment with Newcastle’s broader planning and urban design goals.”

Jenkins added: “The design reflects Modo Bloc’s commitment to innovative urban regeneration and Greatspace’s expertise in
people-focused design, whilst championing energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and community wellbeing.”

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