Plans to create a £100m gateway development into Newcastle city centre have taken a step forward with the submission of a planning application.
The former Bank of England plot on Pilgrim Street is set for a grand future as Pilgrim Place, a landmark scheme of three Grade A offices plus a public plaza and new subterranean car park.
New CGIs by Ryder Architecture show how the scheme would look, breathing new life into the East Pilgrim Street area while also delivering the potential to create 4,000 jobs should new businesses to the city move in.
Most of the East Pilgrim Street area, including the Newcastle Stack site and fire station further up the street, is owned by billionaire real estate firm Reuben Brothers, who have a net worth of around £18.66bn.
Avison Young has been instructed by Taras Properties – set up to drive forward plans on Reuben Brothers’ land – and has now sent a full planning application for Pilgrim Place to planners.
Pilgrim Place, based on the eastern side of Pilgrim Street, includes the former Worswick Street bus station, Worswick Chambers and the NCP car park on Carliol Square.
Plans for the 12-floor 120,000sq ft Bank House office have already been approved, and work is set to start on site this summer.
This next phase includes a new underground car park and public square, together with up to 376,000sq ft of commercial office space at the proposed 1 and 2 Pilgrim Place.
At the heart of the scheme are plans to restore and refurbish Worswick Chambers and the adjacent 93-101 Pilgrim Street – both listed buildings – which could be transformed into new bars and restaurants.
Taras Properties, which owns the entire site, has worked up the development proposals with Newcastle city council.
Commercial, town planning and project management advice on the scheme is being provided by Avison Young with architectural design by Ryder Architecture.
Arup is providing engineering input.
Matt Verlander, director at Avison Young, said: “Avison Young are delighted to have submitted this application which marks another key milestone in the major proposals to regenerate the Pilgrim Street area of the city centre.
“The Pilgrim Place application completes a comprehensive scheme for the ‘southern block’ site, which includes the Bank House office building along with a major new public plaza – Pilgrim Place – with underground parking and 1 and 2 Pilgrim Place which will provide a further 35,000 sq m of office space.
“We are also seeking to restore and refurbish the listed Worswick Chambers which is proposed to provide a unique setting for a variety of tenants including bar and restaurant businesses.”
