Newcastle set to approve £274m Castle Leazes PBSA

Unite Students and Newcastle University’s plans to demolish the existing student accommodation and replace it with two blocks housing 2,000 beds is likely to get the go-ahead at the council’s planning meeting on Friday.

Designs by Norr Architects show the replacement buildings will be set around five courtyards, and will range between four- to nine-storeys in height, to accommodate for differing site levels.

Pegasus is the planner on the project, which looks to address the shortage of student accommodation in the city.

Specifically, the scheme would deliver 2,011 student beds, compared to the existing 1,247 on the site.

Located close to four different parks, the site is north west of the university’s main campus and the redevelopment aims to provide an ‘inclusive, accessible, and adaptable student village.’

Amenities will include a gym, café, cinema, and study space.

The original Castle Leazes student accommodation was built in the 1960s and has been deemed outdated.