New plans submitted to transform historic Clayton Street corner property

Plans to transform an historic corner of Newcastle’s city centre into an apartment style hotel (aparthotel) and cafe/ restaurant have been submitted.

The move will see the elegantly curved Grade II listed 36 - 40 Clayton Street transformed into 13 aparthotels spread across the upper floor areas. This is part of an ambitious redevelopment project that will see the historic fabric of the building retained, securing the long-term future of one Newcastle’s heritage assets.

A new ground floor café/restaurant is also on the cards as part of the plans to repurpose the long-vacant Grade II listed building, which was originally built in 1837 by Richard Grainger on the street named after John Clayton, the 19th century town clerk and antiquarian.

Designs will deliver a scheme that balances the pressing needs of regeneration to ensure a building that’s fit for new use, while complying with issues laid out under local development plans, said Sean Hedley, managing director of North East planning specialist Hedley Planning Services, who is overseeing the planning and listed building applications.

He has produced a supporting statement to accompany the proposed alterations and said: “Our work concludes that the submitted proposal represents sensitive enhancements to the significance of the listed building.

“They provide the springboard to bring this important historic location back to life after being vacant for in excess of 6 years and in doing so, will deliver much needed city-centre-based visitor accommodation and an attractive eating venue.

“As planners, we want to see the creation and successful delivery of heritage projects that deliver a long-lasting legacy. In achieving this, we are able to make a valuable contribution to clients’ plans and design ambitions, reducing the likelihood of objections on heritage grounds. This helps to transform our listed buildings and historic properties for generations to come.”

The applicant is Panther Properties Plc and a decision about approval of the project by Newcastle City Council planning committee is expected in the coming months.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily