Student village

The project forms part of a joint venture between the University and the UK’s largest, owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), which is the first of its kind in the UK.

The decision by Newcastle City Council marks a significant step forward in the University’s and Unite Students’ commitment to providing modern and sustainable living spaces for students, following extensive consultation with the local community.

The approved plans will see the comprehensive redevelopment of the Castle Leazes site, creating a vibrant student village that meets the evolving needs of the university's student population. The new site will create 2,000 new, purpose-built bedrooms at the university’s Castle Leazes site, which will reopen in time for the 2028/9 academic year.

Additionally, plans for the construction of new path across Leazes Moor to improve accessibility to the main university campus have also been approved.

Newcastle City Council’s planning committee highlighted that the development will provide significant benefits to the local economy and job market, and also help to boost the university’s income stream and ability to attract students to the city.

Modern and sustainable design

Key aspects of the approved plans include:

• Modern and sustainable design:
• Energy-efficient buildings designed with sustainability at their core.
• A range of room types, designed to meet diverse student requirements.
• Enhanced community spaces:
• Increased communal areas, including social hubs, games rooms, study spaces, and outdoor courtyards, designed to foster a sense of community.
• Contribution to the City:
• The project will contribute to the city's housing strategy by providing purpose-built student accommodation, helping to alleviate pressure on the private rental market.

The original Castle Leazes buildings were designed and built in the 1960s and did not deliver the standard of accommodation that modern students expect. Demolition of the site began in June 2024, and construction of the reimagined Castle Leazes is expected to commence from Autumn 2025.

High quality student accommodation

Nick Collins, Chief Financial Officer, Newcastle University, said: “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for this important project. The redevelopment of Castle Leazes is a key part of our strategy to enhance the student experience by providing high-quality student accommodation in accessible locations. It allows us to attract students to the city who provide significant economic value and vibrancy to the city and the wider regional economy.

“We are pleased that the committee agreed that this was a well-designed proposal and importantly that it is sustainable, both in terms its location and sustainable travel accessibility, but also through the projected energy and carbon reduction through enhanced efficiency and on-site renewable energy generation.”

Joe Lister, Chief Executive, Unite Students said: “Receiving planning permission for the redevelopment of Castle Leazes is a major step in the formation of our joint venture with Newcastle University, strengthening our existing partnership. By increasing the number of beds at Castle Leazes, more students will be able to live close to campus in high-quality accommodation, as well as freeing up private rental homes for families elsewhere in the city.

“This joint venture is the first of its kind and shows the significant opportunity Unite Students has to become the partner-of-choice for universities as they seek to unlock the potential of their campuses to deliver new accommodation and access new funding.”

The planning approval is to redevelop the former 1,250-bed Castle Leazes into 2,000 beds of new accommodation. It is a vital step in forming the joint venture between the University and Unite Students. The total development cost will be c.£250 million and Unite will act as development and asset manager.