The construction scene in Newcastle could be about to receive a significant boost, if a plan to develop new student housing in the city centre is given the green light. Plans for a new £10 million student flats development in the north-east city have been published, with the promise that such a project would create about 150 construction jobs throughout the time it takes to complete, reports the Journal. In total, some 388 new student bedrooms would be created in Newcastle, and land next to the Discovery Museum has already been earmarked for the scheme. Plans have now been submitted to Newcastle City Council by Nixon Homes, the Leeds-based company that is hoping to carry out the development. Ian Kettlewell, associate director at planning consultancy Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, outlined the economic benefits, stating: "The scheme will result in the creation of 145 jobs during construction and 15 to 20 spin-off jobs, resulting in the generation of an additional £750,000 into the economy during construction. "When complete, it is estimated that the proposals will contribute £1.1m of annual expenditure associated with the growing student population within the city, in addition to the creation of approximately ten full and part-time jobs." It is not the only student housing project that is ongoing in Newcastle at the moment, underlining the significant opportunity that construction firms in the city and nearby area have at their fingertips. Close to 1,000 students from Northumbria University will soon be housed at the new Trinity Square scheme, and 350 student apartments have been built at the new Downing Plaza. Mr Kettlewell added that it is good news for students in the city, as the more purpose-built accommodation there is on the market, the more likely it is that young academics can begin to move away from substandard properties. Another consequence is that some of the flats students are moving away from in order to seek new abodes are now being freed up for local families.
Student flats plan to bring construction boost to Newcastle
