Plans approved for city apartment scheme

Plans have been approved to convert a city centre office block into residential space.

Monument Real Estate has been backed to redevelop 2 Cathedral Square, in Newcastle’s Bigg Market, into 135 serviced apartments.

Bosses say the scheme will help reverse an “undersupply” of apartments in the city and boost its visitor economy.

Designed by Xsite Architecture, the project will add a three-storey extension to the building – which is already home to businesses including Simply Greek and Revolucion de Cuba – and install new façades.

A three-storey block further down the city’s Cloth Market will be demolished to create pedestrian space.

Tom Wooldridge, Monument Real Estate director and founder, said: “With nearby office developments such as Bank House approaching full occupancy and HMRC’s new headquarters at Pilgrim’s Quarter launching soon, the demand for flexible accommodation in the city centre is set to increase.

“Providing more opportunities for visitors to stay in the city centre can only have a positive effect on the local economy.”

Helen Marks, director at urban planning consultancy DPP, which represented Monument Real Estate, added: “We are absolutely delighted the committee has supported the proposals.

“The scheme will support the wider regeneration of the Bigg Market and the local economy.”

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