A LONG-awaited Newcastle city centre development has had its planning application approved.

Quayside West will transform the 15-acre former industrial site, creating 1,100 new homes, a 135-bed hotel, supporting restaurants, shops and commercial uses, parks and new public recreational routes on the banks of the River Tyne.

The plans were developed for Newby and joint venture partner Reditum Capital by DPP Planning and FaulknerBrowns Architects. The brownfield former Calders site on Skinnerburn Road, which is on a major entrance route into Newcastle, has lain vacant for 20 years.

The scheme will deliver 575 operational jobs based on a mix of commercial uses across the site, with a further 397 jobs being created within the supply chain.

Quayside West will deliver affordable housing and infrastructure, including a strategically important spine road which opens up the remainder of the Forth Yards and Stephenson Quarter for development.

Developers say the site, which has been inaccessible for many years, will also reveal new views of the River Tyne and its gorge and broaden the current Quayside walk.

Simon Hepden, director at Newby, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Quayside West has been given the go ahead and we can’t wait to begin the next stages of getting this development out of the ground.

"We would like to thank the team who have worked so hard creating a scheme which met the aspirations of the planners, but which will also deliver something amazing for the people of Newcastle.

Jo Robison, director at DPP Planning, said: “Quayside West will become an integral part of the continuing regeneration and sustainable growth of Newcastle and will create a vibrant community that will attract people wanting to live, work and enjoy being in the city. This is a really complicated site, and we are delighted the planning committee support the ambitions of the development team who have remained steadfast in their commitment."