SW Architecure have recently secured planning permission and listed building consent for the creative re-use of the former Bright House store in the central conservation area In Newcastle upon Tyne. The proposals will see the upper floors and new rooftop extension providing Aparthotel accommodation serving the centre of Newcastle being located within close proximity to the town’s popular nightlife destinations.

The upper floors of the grade II listed former department store will be converted to provide 15 units in a mixture of studios, one and two bed units. The proposals also look to create a further 2 storeys of accommodation on the roof providing 3 duplex units with external amenity space in a mixture of two and 3 bed units.

The proposal creates a new dedicated access to the Aparthotel above which ties in seamlessly with the existing façade. The access provides communal lobby and storage area to the upper floors which are organised around a central corridor. Listed building consent was previously granted for the change of use of the ground floor unit. Works are likely to start on site later this year.

Commenting on the grant of planning Stephen Richardson, partner in charge of Architecture stated: “Its great to be able to bring the redundant upper floors of these City Centre buildings back into use through re-imagining their use. All too often the upper floors of City Centre units have been sitting empty due to leases that parcel the upper floors up with ground floor retail space. This often leads to neglect and a high street that looks good at street level but tired if you look at the vacant premises above. Being able to make use of this space generates much needed additional footfall for the locale which can only help our struggling High Streets. Through the proposals for Bright House not only were we able to bring the upper floors back into use but through the development of a context driven approach to the upwards extension were able to provide additional useable space at roof level maximising value for our client whilst being respectful to the surrounding conservation area.”