UK: TS R1, set up by developer Town Square Group, has applied to Newcastle City Council for permission to convert the upper floors of a TJ Hughes store into serviced apartments.
The four-storey TJ Hughes store is located on Grainger Street, close to Bigg Market in Newcastle city centre.
Plans call for a three-storey rear extension that will allow for 254 serviced apartments, ranging from studios to one-bedroom units. The ground and basement floors will be retained for retail use.
The scheme includes a central atrium on the first-floor level, surrounded by accommodation, with a single storey outbuilding for use as a wellness studio. The atrium will run up through the building.
Additional facilities will be spread throughout the property, including a laundry room, coworking area, and a games room. All five upper floors would also have a linen store.
Revival Architecture submitted the design and access statement. It read: “All units of serviced accommodation will be accessed via the proposed new entrance/reception area to be created at ground floor level off Grainger Street, with stair and lift access to all floors.
“Given the nature of the proposed use, the fact it will secure the reuse of an existing listed building within the city centre, promotes and secures additional visitor accommodation within the city centre whilst protecting the active retail use at ground and basement levels, and the sustainable nature of the application site, the scheme as submitted is deemed to be acceptable as a matter of principle.”
The application is “pending consideration” from Newcastle City Council.
