Newcastle set to approve Hadrian House demo and rebuild
The application by Argon and Sona Estates proposes the demolition of the existing eight-storey office building on Higham Place, to be replaced with a 507-bed PBSA scheme.
The demolition would include sections of the interlinked raised walkways dating from the 1970s, which are now subject to anti-social behaviour.
The replacement development would comprise three interconnected buildings, including two tower blocks, with heights ranging up to 21 storeys. The scheme would extend to 23 floors when the lower ground, upper ground, and mezzanine levels are included.
Demolition of Hadrian House itself was previously approved by the council. This latest application also seeks the removal of the linked raised walkway across the Saville Place car park and sections connecting towards Durant Road and the New Bridge Street Hotel.
The PBSA would provide 507 student bedrooms, comprising 57 studios and 450 rooms arranged in clusters.
Communal and ancillary facilities would be provided on the lower floors, while a 2,400 sq ft internal courtyard with raised planters and seating would provide outdoor amenity space for residents.
The development would also create an enhanced pedestrian route and new public realm to the west of the site, alongside associated hard and soft landscaping and engineering works.
The scheme would be car-free, reflecting its city centre location and proximity to public transport and other facilities.
The 0.8-acre site sits within Newcastle’s Urban Core, adjacent to Northumbria University’s campus and within walking distance of city centre amenities and transport links.
An Environmental Impact Assessment has been submitted, examining issues including the scheme’s scale and massing and heritage impacts. The site is surrounded by a number of listed buildings, including The Laing Art Gallery and listed terraces on Higham Place and Ellison Terrace.
The application is due to be reviewed by the Newcastle City Council’s planning committee on Friday 21 August, with a recommendation to approve.
