This would be Vita's third residence in Newcastle. Credit: Vita

Vita secures Newcastle go-ahead

30 April 2024 11:22 Neil Tague Comments (0)

A new-build block replacing the former Barker & Stonehouse store will be combined with the redevelopment of Strawberry House in a 250-apartment project by the student living group.

Vita came forward with its plans for the site last year, and the scheme was approved last week in the same committee meeting as Genr8 Kajima and Newcastle University’s Health Innovation Neighbourhood.

Billed as Strawberry Gardens, the Leazes Park Road scheme has a professional team including DPP, heritage consultant Simpson Brown and Hydrock, which is delivering fire safety consultancy, geo-environmental and geo-technical engineering, and civil and structural engineering consultancy.

Under the Vita Student brand, the developer wants to create 250 studio apartments supported by social and study space and a gym.

The company’s sites have an on-site operations team delivering daily events, housekeeping, security and other services. The new-build element will be part-five and part-six storeys. Vita is already operating in Newcastle.

Barker & Stonehouse departed for the Metrocentre last year.

Part of the Select Property group, Vita has become a major player in the PBSA market in recent years, having particular strength in its native Manchester, where the 576-bed House of Social is its latest project to come forward – a £91m funding deal with Cain International was announced last week.