Developer Modo Bloc has unveiled plans to create a stylish aparthotel in the Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle.
The Newcastle company has submitted plans to build 28 apartments within a single, five storey structure on Foundry Lane. The proposal to develop a vacant brownfield site builds upon previous planning consent for a mixed-use development by the same design team. The £8.5m project will have a mix of one, two and three bed apartments along with one four-bed apartment. The ground floor could also have retail and commercial units, together with car and cycle parking.
The developers want the project to be styled in the same way as an earlier scheme brought to the market in 2021 - the Chelmsford Lofts aparthotel in Sandyford, Newcastle. Managed by Your Lofts, the concept is proving popular with people booking weekend staycations and longer corporate stays. The Ouseburn proposal will be the third aparthotel to be run by Your Lofts.
Set within the Ouseburn Conservation Area, Miller Partnership Architects say they have given great care and attention to the heritage and character of the site when designing the structure. Co-director Steve Miller, who worked on the original Ouseburn Central Masterplan with Newcastle City Council, said careful consideration has been given to creating a structure “which adopts the characteristics of surrounding industrial buildings and prominent structures”.
Mr Miller said: “The built elements of this proposal are in keeping with the scale of the area. With a limited frontage along Foundry Lane and a desire to give each individual apartment a river / street frontage the overall building is subdivided into units, each with principle living accommodation open to the view. A limited palette of traditional materials is proposed – from red brick to exposed steel and glass. It will be a contemporary structure, which is sympathetic to the Ouseburn’s industrial past.”
During the pre-planning phase, Modo Bloc liaised with local residents and occupiers to consult on any worries or concerns.
George Jenkins, MD of Modo Bloc, which is also currently redeveloping a former care home in Forest Hall into luxury apartments, said: “We fully recognise the unique character of the Ouseburn. We have consulted with local stakeholders and our architects have paid particular attention to the local environment. Attention has also been paid to the existing acoustic landscape, recognising the live music that gives the Ouseburn Valley its distinctive character.”
“Our proposed development will be designed and built to the same high standard of building construction and interior design as other apart-hotels we have already delivered and are currently delivering elsewhere around Newcastle. A new investment like this should also encourage greater tourism for the area, helping create and support employment, while also stimulating local businesses with marketing efforts.”
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