Developer gets thumbs up for £17m police station redevelopment

DEVELOPER Watkin Jones, which has offices in Runcorn, Cheshire, has received planning consent to progress with the £17m redevelopment of Northumbria Police’s old headquarters in Newcastle city centre.

The recently AIM-listed company headquartered in Bangor, specialises in the construction of multi occupancy property assets with a focus on student accommodation.

The redevelopment of the former police station in Market Street, consists of 225 beds (177 beds and 48 studios). The development is anticipated to be completed in 2018.

Mark Watkin Jones, chief executive of Watkin Jones, said:  “We are very pleased to have secured planning consent for this exciting development. 

“Located in the city centre of Newcastle with easy access to university campuses, local facilities and public transport it is well positioned for student accommodation.  This latest scheme adds to our growing pipeline and further builds our visibility around the group’s business model.”