Newcastle council expected to give Eldon Square turnaround the nod

The transformation of a former Debenhams store and Eldon Leisure Centre at Eldon Square in Newcastle city centre has been recommended for approval at a meeting to be held later this week.  Newcastle City Council is expected to make a decision on Friday.  The Debenhams store, which sits on a 2.5-acre site, spans 107,000 sq ft of retail space. The building has been empty since its closure in 2021, shortly after Debenhams collapsed.  The building is proposed to be converted into a mixed-use facility, with the lower floors providing retail facilities and the top floor serving as a food, drink, cultural, art and entertainment hub.  Two floors of the development, measuring 61,000 sq ft, have already been prelet to Next on a 10-year lease.  The existing Newgate Street entrance to the building will be modified to include a new atrium, a 3,500 sq ft waiting area, triple lift and stairs. The scheme is expected to bring about £11.24m of annual gross value added to Newcastle’s economy. Also on Friday, the council will review proposals to refresh the former Eldon Leisure Centre. Permission is sought for the conversion of the 120,000 sq ft facility into a leisure destination across seven floors. The scheme comprises a single large space for a regional family leisure attraction, including small shops, a go-kart track and a viewing gallery. In addition, there are some external alterations proposed for the partial removal of the roof fronting onto Blackett Street to create an outdoor terrace. The redevelopment is expected to provide a £6.84m of annual GVA to Newcastle’s economy. Both applications were brought forward by Eldon Square, a subsidiary of Intu Debenture, which was formed in 2020 following the collapse of former owner intu. It owns 60% of the Eldon Square shopping and leisure complex, with Newcastle City Council owning the remaining 40%.  Intu Debenture appointed MAPP to take over Eldon Square in 2020, and Pradera was appointed as asset manager for all Intu Debenture assets in 2022. Image from PR