Cementing city’s role as European regional capital

Mar 26 2008 by James Platts for The Journal

Mixed-use developments of the highest quality are continuing to play a critical role in adding to the vibrancy and vitality of Newcastle, says James Platts.

THE best mixed use schemes create a new way of living, which interacts and interweaves with offices, leisure and retail.

Historically our cities and towns were densely populated but there has – until recently – been a drift out of the centre to suburban neighbourhoods and new estates.

It is great we can celebrate the renaissance of cities such as Newcastle with cutting edge residential developments, carried out alongside impressive commercial developments, which create an environment that buzzes all day and every day.

Significant mixed-use developments have already helped to cement Newcastle’s proud status as the European regional capital, including the redevelopment of the Quayside by Amec, arguably the catalyst of all subsequent city rejuvenation, and Trinity Gardens, the impressive project recently completed by Silverlink.

In the city centre there are currently plans for a number of exciting mixed-use developments.

Planning has just been submitted for the Stephenson Quarter. Developers Silverlink want to create a brand new city quadrant with modern design that will truly embrace mixed-use culture; offices, apartments, two hotels, restaurant and retail property complemented by public spaces that aim to set new standards of quality and design for the public realm. As visitors come from all over the world to visit Brindley Place in Birmingham, so we believe the Stephenson Quarter will take mixed use to a new level and attract interest and admiration worldwide.

Offices, a hotel and further new homes are also planned for the old Scottish & Newcastle Brewery site just off St James’ Boulevard, an area which has already benefited from much mixed-use redevelopment.

In Gateshead, plans for the £100m GQ2 site, featuring a new cinema, four-star hotel, shops, restaurants and more than 300 apartments, will continue the transformation of the area.

The site, between the Baltic and the Sage, is the next stage in the renaissance of Gateshead Quays which now matches its illustrious counterpart across the River Tyne both in aspiration and delivery.

The anticipated redevelopment of the Brett Oils site alongside the Swing Bridge, also in Gateshead, proposes offices, residential property, bars and restaurants.

Meanwhile, Newcastle Great Park is one of Europe’s largest, most exciting and significant mixed-use developments, bringing together a stunning and vibrant live-work-play environment.

With over 2,500 luxury homes, a new town centre and up to three million sqft of business park currently in the process of being developed, Newcastle Great Park is firmly placing the city on the world stage rather than just the European stage. It is here Sage chose to build their world-wide headquarters close to quality executive-type housing.

Mixed-use development represents a clear way forward in the continuing renaissance of the urban environment. As the pressure of the carbon footprint becomes ever greater, mixed use will continue to be a critical factor in respect of making sure we all live in a truly a sustainable community.

Our region has had a lot to celebrate in recent years and many more celebrations can be foreseen in future years. The mixed use focus is one that has helped to create a region that is very much the new urban powerhouse of the UK.

James Platts is joint head of residential development at Knight Frank in Newcastle.