The fate of a proposed housing development at Malmo Quay, located at the mouth of the Ouseburn, remains unresolved as the project continues to face delays and scrutiny. The plans, which have been in the works for several years, have sparked considerable debate and opposition within the local community, leading to a series of revisions. Despite these changes, a final decision on the project has yet to be made.
The Malmo Quay site has long been a subject of contention in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 2021, developers initially put forward a plan to construct an 18-storey tower block on the site, which quickly became the centre of a heated public debate. Concerns were raised by many about the impact of such a high-rise building on the city’s landscape, particularly its potential to obstruct iconic views and disrupt the area’s character. In response to these concerns, the developers reduced the height of the proposed structure to 10 storeys and made other modifications to the plan. However, despite these adjustments, progress on the development has been slow.
Since the revised plans were submitted in August 2022, Newcastle City Council has not yet issued a ruling on whether to approve the project. The development proposal includes not only the now-reduced apartment building but also 73 additional homes on the adjacent Spillers Quay and 13 three-storey townhouses on the Malmo Quay site. Yet, despite the passage of time, the council has not moved forward with a decision, leaving the project in a state of uncertainty.
The developer remains committed to the project, despite the delays and the challenges posed by the site. The developer has acknowledged that Malmo Quay has been vacant for a long time and that there are numerous challenges associated with the land. However, they maintain that they are working closely with the local planning authority and other stakeholders to navigate these issues and bring the project to fruition.
Part of the development plan includes the relocation of a well-known cycle shop and café, currently situated on the Malmo Quay site. The proposed demolition and relocation of this popular community hub have added another layer of complexity to the project, as local residents and businesses have expressed concern over the potential loss of this much-loved establishment. According to the developers, the cycle shop would be relocated elsewhere on the Malmo Quay site, but this proposal has not fully alleviated the concerns of the community.
The planning application for the Malmo and Spillers Quay development was originally submitted to the council in December 2021. Although the application was set to expire at the end of 2023, it remains under consideration, according to the council’s website. The most recent documents related to the project were submitted nearly a year ago, highlighting the slow pace of the planning process.
The original proposal for the 223ft tower block drew significant opposition from the public, with more than 1,500 formal objections lodged against the plan. One of the primary concerns was the potential obstruction of the view of the Quayside, particularly from a popular local pub known for its scenic outlook. Local councillors and nearby businesses also voiced their objections, arguing that even the revised 10-storey design would overshadow the surrounding area and detract from the city’s historic landscape.
Despite these objections, the developers have continued to advocate for the project, emphasising the potential economic benefits it could bring to the city. They argue that the development could generate an estimated £4 million annually for the local economy and believe that it would revitalise a piece of land that has seen several failed regeneration attempts in the past.
The Malmo Quay site has a long history of unrealised development plans. In the early 2000s, a proposal for the Wimpey Tower, a 290ft skyscraper that would have been the tallest building in Newcastle, was put forward but ultimately abandoned. Later, a 13-storey residential development, along with a six-storey office building, restaurant, and public square, was granted planning permission on appeal, but this project, too, was never built.
In 2014, another ambitious plan for the Malmo Quay site was introduced by a joint venture selected by the council and the Homes and Communities Agency. This proposal, which included 60 apartments and a public viewing platform overlooking the River Tyne, also failed to come to fruition. More recently, plans for the Whey Aye Wheel, a landmark project intended for the nearby former Spillers flour mill site, were also shelved.
As discussions between the council and the developer continue, the future of the Malmo Quay site remains in doubt. The ongoing delays and revisions to the project underscore the complex nature of urban development, particularly in areas with significant historical and cultural value like Ouseburn. The outcome of the planning process will not only determine the fate of Malmo Quay but also set a precedent for future developments in the city.
While the council’s decision is still pending, the debate surrounding the Malmo Quay development highlights the challenges of balancing economic growth with heritage preservation and community interests. As Newcastle continues to evolve, finding the right balance between these competing priorities will be crucial in shaping the city’s future landscape.
The Malmo Quay site remains a symbol of the challenges faced in modern urban development, where the need for economic progress must be carefully weighed against the preservation of cultural and historical identity. As the city waits for a final decision on the project, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the future of Ouseburn and Newcastle as a whole. For now, the site’s fate remains uncertain, with the local community and developers alike awaiting the council’s verdict.
