The Grade II listed building – which is currently vacant – was previously occupied by Allied Irish Bank until 2013. The upper office floors, despite being granted planning approval for residential use in 2003, have remained largely vacant since the late 1990s.

Having identified an opportunity to provide a quality of accommodation for private sale not currently available elsewhere across the city centre, Union Properties enlisted the help of LSH in respect of the application for change of use to a restaurant on the ground and basement floors, and 12 high-quality residential apartments at the upper three floors. 

The approved design takes maximum advantage of the building’s existing historic features, including the spiral stair as a grand entrance to the apartments and the extension and the use of the bank manager’s office as a private dining room.

Following detailed discussions with representatives of the local authority and the local conservation body, planning permission was granted unanimously by the planning committee on 16 June 2017.

Helen Marks, Director of LSH’s Planning and Development Consultancy in Newcastle, commented: “The decision to allow the redevelopment of this building will not only ensure that its historic features are maintained for future generations to enjoy, it also provides a welcome boost of high-quality residential premises and public amenities in an area which is currently undergoing regeneration.”