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Architectural triumvirate partner to develop Newcastle’s Malmo Quay

Three internationally-renowned architectural practices have been selected to develop Malmo Quay in Newcastle.

Paris-based AWP Architects has been chosen to take forward the scheme at the entrance to Ouseburn, the city’s creative and cultural quarter, working with London practices Mikhail Riches Architects and Featherstone Young Architects, which will each concentrate on specific aspects of the development.

The companies were chosen from a reported strong entry of nine top-class firms that put forward their visions for the area to joint developer Carillion igloo Ltd (CiL).

The Malmo Quay development will comprise 60 apartments at the gateway to Ouseburn and will include a new home for the Cycle Hub, which will be publically accessible from the riverfront.

CiL invited highly-regarded architectural practices from Newcastle, London, Edinburgh, Paris and Berlin to submit their ideas for Malmo Quay.

The selection panel was looking for innovative and imaginative ideas able to combine the area’s character and creativity with the complex constraints of the Lower Ouseburn Valley Conservation Area.

A development brief as to what can go forward on the site given its development constraints is now being prepared.

As landowners, Newcastle City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency are working hard to put in place the conditions required for development at Malmo Quay in partnership with developers CiL.

CiL is currently developing The Malings eco-housing project, the £15m first new phase of Ouseburn’s regeneration.

The 76-home development began last year and the majority of homes in the first phase have already been sold.

Director at regeneration specialist igloo, David Roberts, said: “We have held an initial workshop with all three winning architects and they are now working as a team to bring a hugely exciting scheme to Newcastle’s waterfront.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to develop the site and create an inspiring, innovative area in a spectacular location.

“We are now hoping to quickly conclude our negotiations with Newcastle City Council for the quay wall, so we can begin development as soon as possible at what will be a key site for the city.”

Marc Armengaud, partner at AWP, said: “Our design for the Malmo Quay Cycle Hub was inspired by the ascent to Mount Ventoux, one of the most impressive stages of the Tour de France.

“We have designed a reflective, polished steel ramp and an observatory platform, which will showcase the surrounding landscape and create framed views of the Tyne.

“We are delighted to be selected for this project and look forward to working closely with our colleagues at Mikhail Riches and Featherstone Young to create a stunning new architectural experience at Ouseburn.”