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Newcastle City Council approves Keelmen's Hospital restoration plans

The historic Keelmen's Hospital will be transformed into 20 apartments starting April 2024.

July 29, 2025 at 12:00 AM

Historic Newcastle hospital set for major restoration as council approves housing plans

Plans to restore the historic Keelmen's Hospital into affordable housing have received approval.

Newcastle's Keelmen's Hospital to undergo major restoration

Newcastle City Council has approved a significant restoration project for the derelict Keelmen's Hospital, a historic building from 1701. After standing empty since 2009, plans have emerged to convert the site into 20 apartments, with collaboration from the Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust and Historic England. The project, which has received a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to begin construction in April 2024. The plans are expected to rejuvenate the area, bringing both residents and activity back to a site steeped in history.

Key Takeaways

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Keelmen's Hospital restoration aims to convert it into 20 apartments.

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The building has been disused since 2009, deteriorating significantly.

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The project received a £437,732 grant to start work and aims for £4.5 million more.

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Construction is set to begin in April 2024 and could last up to two years.

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The restoration addresses both housing needs and historic building preservation.

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There are concerns about the loss of some original features during renovation.

"It has been empty for a long time and it is a waste of a really lovely building."

This highlights the need to utilize historic spaces in meaningful ways.

"The Keelmen's Hospital is one of Newcastle’s most storied buildings and it’s brilliant to see its next chapter being written."

This quote emphasizes the significance of the building's restoration to the community.

This restoration signifies more than just a new housing project; it reflects a growing trend towards the preservation of heritage buildings in urban areas. By transforming the Keelmen's Hospital, Newcastle could not only revitalize a decayed landmark but also provide affordable housing in a city facing space challenges. However, there is inherent tension between maintaining historical integrity and adapting old structures for modern use. While noted challenges may arise, such as the loss of some original architecture, the overall benefit to the community appears to outweigh these concerns.