Empty for almost 20 years, the former hospital site will have its day once again as Lok Developments lays the ground for the stunning Sycamore Square housing development.
Lok Developments, part of Newcastle based Morton Group, is set to develop 37 luxury new homes on the former Sanderson Hospital site in Gosforth, following a unanimous vote from Newcastle City Council to approve the plans. The residential scheme, named Sycamore Square, will create 23 new houses and 14 apartments centred around a large green central space, near Gosforth High Street.
The homes featured will consist of 13 detached four and five bedroom houses, which include two bungalows, as well as 14 two bedroom apartments and 10 four bedroom townhouses, all with access via North Avenue.
Designs for the development took inspiration from local architecture, and the historical hospital context. The new homes will feature red brickwork, natural slate roofs and modern aluminium framed windows. Designed by award winning architects, Sadler Brown Architecture, the homes will be set around a central landscaped garden space created for residents.
The 1.33 hectare site was formally home to a Victorian children’s hospital founded by Newcastle philanthropist, W J Sanderson, but has been empty for almost 20 years. It was bought by Lok Developments in June 2019.
Planning consultancy, Curtis PDC, submitted the planning application on behalf of the Morton Group. Work on site is set to commence from April onwards, with completion of the development expected in summer 2021.
Gary Morton, Group CEO of Morton Group, said: “The Former Sanderson Hospital site will bring forward new high quality homes in a sought after location in Gosforth.”
The site has a fascinating history but has remained unused for a long time. It’s a pleasure for us to be able to overcome some of the site’s challenges and bring development forward, following our purchase agreement with the previous owners.
Tony Harmieson, Managing Director at Sadler Brown Architects said: “Creating a quality, beautifully landscaped, green space for residents was the primary focus of our design for Sycamore Square. The homes are all centred around the communal heart of the development, which will create a welcoming sense of family life and community.”
