Scaled Back Plan To Use Student Flats As Apartments Faces Approval

They reduced plans to rent student flats to the public. The council previously rejected using 68 flats as apartments at Deakin’s Yard in Newcastle, with parking a significant concern.

Integritas Property Group now proposes using only 40 of the 273 flats at Deakin’s Yard. Council officers are suggesting approval for this new plan.

Deakin’s Yard is nearing completion after eight years, replacing the former Jubilee Baths. Students were initially scheduled to move in last September, but project delays caused setbacks.

A rule restricts the building’s use to students. IPG initially sought a temporary change to rent all 273 flats to others, reverting to student use in 2025.

The company then modified the application to 68 flats following parking concerns from traffic officers. With only 19 off-street parking spaces available, officers considered it adequate for students, but not for the general public.

Despite officer recommendations, the council committee rejected the application, disagreeing about parking implications. The committee is scheduled to discuss the new application at a meeting on February 25th.

The report states using only 40 rooms reduces parking issues. Consequently, denying the application solely on traffic grounds would be unsustainable.

IPG reports that half of the flats have already been rented to students. Using 40 flats as apartments will facilitate a “soft-test” of the building, ensuring a smooth setup.

IPG’s official statement expresses gratitude, thanking the council for their support. They believe the community wants this building complete. IPG assumed control of the project in 2023 after the original developer faced funding challenges.