P+HS Architects has completed an exciting masterplan for a regionally significant new residential and mixed-use development at Cramlington in Newcastle that proposes to deliver an impressive 96 acre, £85m community in the heart of the emerging town. Lead agent Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners has since submitted the scheme for planning on behalf of clients Bellway Homes (North East) Limited and Persimmon Homes (North East).

Proposals for Centre Point, as it is being branded, represent an important next stage in the continuing growth and development of Cramlington. Established as a new town in the 1960s, under the Expanded New Town legislation, its creation resulted from a unique partnership venture between the County Council, the Local Planning Authority (now Blyth Valley Borough Council), and two private developers, Bellway Homes and Leech Homes (later acquired by Persimmon).

Today the two original developers still remain committed to their partnership and involvement in Cramlington and Centre Point is the last remaining undeveloped area that will deliver a true sustainable community at the heart of the town.

P+HS Architects were commissioned to masterplan the scheme on the basis of their longstanding working relationship with both developers, both of who recognise that the practice’s expertise in this sector is unrivalled in the North East of England.

James Palmer, Senior Architect, P+HS Architects comments, “The framework outlined in our plans aims to make best use of the unrivalled sustainable location of the site adjoining the town centre and maintain the amenity of surrounding residents. It will act as a control to make certain that the completed development is appropriate to its setting yet has its own character and identity drawn form the locality.”

The overall scheme will be a high quality development adopting key sustainability principles to deliver a total of 162,000 sq ft of office business accommodation, 700 new homes, a provision for 7,500 sq ft of retail and 35,000 sq ft allocated to community buildings including a medical centre, nursery and sports pavilion.

The new streetscape layout is designed to provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. A network of interconnected streets and squares provides permeability and accommodates convenient bus routes to encourage the use of public transport.

James Palmer of P+HS Architects continues, “The architectural style will draw on the heritage of the area and the vernacular of the surrounding Northumberland villages. Where appropriate during construction we will specify locally-sourced materials, not only to provide cultural and visual continuity but also to minimise fuel miles associated with their transport.”

Paul Medcalf Bellway Homes Land and Planning Manager said "We have had a long and successful involvement with P+HS and the practice brings strong commitment and fresh and creative ideas to every project we have worked on together. They have embraced the governments new planning, highways and design agenda and this is manifested in the high quality of their Centre Point Masterplan."

Peter Jordan, Regional Projects Director for Persimmon Homes continues “We are delighted to continue working in partnership with Bellway Homes and P+HS to submit proposals for Centre Point. Due to its size and unusual position in such close proximity to the town centre, the process has involved very detailed consultation but we feel confident that these proposals will deliver the most viable, effective and beneficial environment for the community.”

Email: kate@frenchpr.co.uk