Plans submitted to redevelop Newcastle’s empty Co-op building into hotel

Merchant Place Developments (MPD) has submitted a planning application to Newcastle City Council to redevelop the 150,000sqft, Grade-II listed building, which has stood partially empty for several years, along with the adjoining building in St. Andrews Street.

If successful, construction work will begin on the building later this year with a fully operational hotel that will provide over 200 new jobs in place by summer 2013. Informed sources suggest the operator is likely to be budget hotel chain Travelodge, which is currently embarking upon an aggressive expansion strategy.

Restaurant and retail space is expected to be available in autumn 2012.

Both buildings will be sensitively redeveloped to retain their century-old key features, including a historic arcade and stairwells.

William Grafton, project director at (MPD) said: “The earliest building is in St Andrew’s Street, going back to early 1900s. The Co-operative building that faces Newgate Street and the Debenhams’ store in Eldon Square South is classic 1930s art-deco. Both will be treated with sensitivity as befits this landmark building in a location that has seen considerable improvement in recent years.

“This will complete the redevelopment of this important part of the city centre bringing life back to a building that, in part, has stood empty for a number of years. It is the final part of the jigsaw for Newgate Street, bringing more restaurant and retail space to strengthen the existing pitch and much needed city centre hotel space.”

Red Box Design Group has designed the layout of the new building.