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Liverpool property developer unveils £46m Verde development in Newcastle city centre

Liverpool-headquartered property developer Downing has unveiled a £46m student accommodation development in the heart of Newcastle city centre.

Standing opposite St James’ Park stadium with a eye-catching green exterior, ‘Verde’ is the final phase of the landmark £250m Downing Plaza development, one of the city’s largest planning schemes to date.

Designed by architects SimpsonHaugh and Partners, the site is made up of 543 beds comprising 431 clusters and 112 studios.

The 11-storey complex, which also stands as the northern gateway to Science Central, will let the clusters to first year students at Newcastle University.

Downing and SimpsonHaugh and Partners have much past experience of working on improving Newcastle’s student offering; both in terms of accommodation and academic buildings.

The companies have collaborated on a number of award-winning projects in the city, including the 120,000 sq. ft. Newcastle University Business School and most recently The View; a 444 bedroom student accommodation development which was voted Best New Building at Newcastle’s Lord Mayor’s Design Awards last year.

Ann Lodge, Downing chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to complete the final stage of the Plaza Development.

“A striking addition to the scheme, Verde is a prime example of the kind of well-designed student accommodation that Downing is renowned for delivering. As with all of our academic residential schemes, the building itself is only half of the story.

“We have reached agreement with Newcastle University to let all of the 431 cluster rooms to its first-year students, who will benefit from the security and peace of mind offered by the holistic approach to accommodation of our on-call management team and the experience we have in catering to the needs of students living away from home for the first time.”

Matthew Ayres, of SimpsonHaugh and Partners added: “Verde is deliberately striking in colour and form, creating a new landmark in this area of Newcastle city centre and forming a distinctive gateway between the University and Science Central.

“Newcastle is a vibrant student city which is benefiting hugely from investment in science and education. We are pleased to play a part in this through our work with Downing on Verde as well as at The View, Newcastle University Business School and pervious phases of Downing Plaza.”

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