Newcastle developers reveal plans for “coolest” neighbourhood in the world

A Newcastle developer has submitted a planning application for a new riverside community building on Ouseburn’s reputation as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.

PfP-igloo, the organisation leading proposals to develop Malmo Quay has shared more detail about its planning application, which seeks to develop more than 70 new homes, new commercial spaces and attractive public realm at the riverside site.

A major feature of the plans, which have been submitted to Newcastle City Council and will be reviewed in 2022, is the inclusion of many new cycle and foot paths to ensure the area becomes a thriving part of the riverside, and swathes of public realm, including provision of outdoor seating areas to create attractive community focal points where residents and visitors can enjoy the open air.

PfP-igloo has worked with a leading Swedish architecture practice, with an international reputation for design excellence, to shape the plans for the area. White Arkitekter, which has a particular focus on sustainable design, has worked with PfP-igloo for some months, fine-tuning designs based on feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders to ensure that the final application balances the development needs of the site with the views of people who live, work and trade in the area.

Alec Hamlin, development manager at PfP-igloo, said: “Malmo Quay is a complex site to develop, but one with vast potential. We’ve worked on plans that will realise that, and that are responsive to the needs of the area and wider context of the site.

“It’s a balancing act, but one we believe we have successfully struck, taking on board the views of local businesses and residents to ensure that the final designs are the best they can possibly be, and that they are deliverable too.

“We have worked in Ouseburn for many years, and we are incredibly proud of the place it has become. The ongoing development of this area is a key part of building the city’s urban massing, creating high-quality homes within proximity of the economic heart of Newcastle, meeting the area’s housing needs without developing on greenbelt sites.”