Salamisso Developments has submitted an application to Newcastle City Council for The Arches, an innovative purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project designed by Donnelly Turpin Architects, located on the former Cemex site at Pottery Lane. This ambitious proposal aims to transform an approximately 0.9-hectare brownfield site into a vibrant living space featuring 405 student bedrooms, which will comprise 152 studio apartments and 253 bedrooms within cluster flats. In addition to residential offerings, the plans incorporate a 53 sqm ground-floor café and an array of shared amenities, including study spaces, a gym, a cinema room, and a games area.
The Vision for The Arches
The site is strategically positioned within the wider Forth Yards regeneration area, nestled between Newcastle Central Station and the River Tyne, adjacent to the Grade II listed King Edward VII railway bridge. This location is pivotal for the completion of the regeneration efforts in this part of the city, as it seeks to repurpose a long-vacant brownfield site into a productive asset for the community.
Architectural Considerations
In designing The Arches, the architects adopted a varied building height approach, ranging from four to seven storeys, accommodating the sloping topography of the site. The layout reflects heritage considerations, existing landscape features, protected trees, and the proximity of neighbouring structures, including the historic railway bridge and surrounding residential developments. The design draws inspiration from Newcastle’s industrial heritage, notably its historic warehouses and traditional brick architecture.
Community and Environmental Focus
The Arches scheme will also include landscaped courtyard spaces and an active street frontage along Pottery Lane, enhancing public realm improvements that aim to strengthen connections throughout the regeneration area. The application has emerged after an extensive pre-application process involving Newcastle City Council, ensuring community and stakeholder engagement.
Project Team and Future Implications
The project team for The Arches PBSA scheme includes notable firms such as planning consultant Quod, landscape architect and ecology specialist LUC, heritage consultant Montagu Evans, transport consultant Rovia, and sustainability adviser Envision, all collaborating to realise this vision. If approved, The Arches will contribute to a growing pipeline of regeneration projects within the Forth Yards area, reflecting a significant trend in the UK PBSA market towards revitalising former industrial lands into modern student living spaces.