‘Landmark’ scheme in Newcastle city centre secures approval

A ‘landmark’ development set to breathe life into a historic Newcastle street has been approved.

Newcastle City Council’s Planning Committee has granted planning permission for the Pilgrim Place development at Pilgrim Street.

The scheme, which includes the site of the former NCP car park and Worswick Street bus station and the listed buildings of Worswick Chambers and 93-101 Pilgrim Street, is set to be transformed under the plans.

The site will include a large new public square, alterations and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Worswick Chambers and 93 - 101 Pilgrim Street for retail, food and beverage and leisure uses.

In addition, two new office buildings - one 12 storey and the other 10 storey - will provide 350,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation; a ‘pavilion’ building will be created for food and beverage or leisure uses; and a two storey car park and service area at basement levels of the office buildings will provide 221 car parking spaces.

Taras Properties, which owns the entire site, has worked up the development proposals with Newcastle City Council.Commercial, town planning and project management advice on the scheme is being provided by Avison Young with architectural design by Ryder Architecture.

Matt Verlander, planning and development Director at Avison Young, commented: “The decision today of the planning committee represents another key milestone for the proposals for Pilgrim Street which, with Bank House already under construction, is already progressing well.”

Chris Turnbull, director in the Avison Young building team, added: “The project management team are delighted to have guided this complex project to a successful planning outcome and look forward to progressing the next phases of pre contract and on site construction works.”