£170m New Bridge Project Unveiled: A New Era for Newcastle City Centre
Exciting plans to transform Newcastle city centre with a £170 million development have been unveiled at Mipim, the world’s largest real estate conference held in Cannes, France.
The ambitious scheme, known as the New Bridge Project, will see the creation of a striking 29-storey residential tower alongside a brand-new hotel, bars, restaurants, and leisure spaces. This major development will breathe new life into the former Premier Inn site on New Bridge Street, creating a vibrant new gateway into Newcastle city centre.
The project is being spearheaded by Gainford Group, the North East-based property, leisure, and care company behind some of the city’s most iconic venues, including the Vermont Hotel, County Hotel, Aveika, and Livello.
After acquiring the former Premier Inn site six years ago, Gainford Group initially planned a single 37-storey tower combining hotel, housing, and leisure facilities. However, following a redesign led by FaulknerBrowns Architects, the updated plans now feature two distinct buildings: a 29-storey residential skyscraper offering 185 new homes and a separate hotel building comprising 150 bedrooms.
Director Imran Khaliq commented:
“Gainford is looking forward to this exciting new project which introduces a brand-new gateway into Newcastle city centre.
We are proud to play a leading role in driving Newcastle’s growth. Together we are building a city that is not only a destination but a hub for investment, innovation, and opportunity.”
The New Bridge Project will also feature new pedestrian links to nearby developments, including the regeneration works at East Pilgrim Street and the new HMRC headquarters. The plans include improving connections to Market Street, Blackett Street, and Northumberland Street, enhancing accessibility across the city centre.
The scheme promises more than just new homes and a hotel. The designs also propose new bars, restaurants, retail outlets, and a state-of-the-art health club, creating a lively and dynamic space for residents and visitors alike.
While Gainford Group currently operates several hotels within the city, it remains undecided whether they will manage the new hotel themselves or partner with an established hospitality brand.
The project has been widely praised for its role in supporting Newcastle’s ongoing regeneration and global ambitions. Gainford Group’s involvement with InvestNewcastle at Mipim 2025 reflects their commitment to promoting the city on the world stage.
Public and private sector organisations, including Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, and others, have teamed up to highlight the city’s investment opportunities and developments at Mipim, underlining the strong collaboration driving Newcastle’s future growth.
New images of the New Bridge Project have now been released, offering a glimpse of how the £170m transformation could reshape Newcastle’s skyline and city centre experience.
