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Newcastle United Foundation Gets Community Hub Planning Permission

Newcastle United Foundation’s vision of building a state-of-the-art community hub for education, sports and wellbeing a goal-kick away from St. James’ Park has been given the green-light.

 

 

The charity’s move to a new home has been years in the making in a bid to create an accessible and inclusive facility, providing the perfect space for learning, recreation, exercise and community work.

 

The three-story hub will include a 4G rooftop pitch offering views of St. James’ Park, innovative classrooms, high-tech digital hub, four-court sports hall, smart fitness suite and accessible changing areas, event and meeting spaces and open-plan offices.

 

The Foundation’s vision of building a united future is being brought to life by Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture, with their innovative designs set to transform the former site of Murray House community centre in Newcastle’s West End.

 

Ryder was appointed to produce detailed proposals for the build after the Foundation received a significant £2.6m investment from the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) to transform the way young people transition from education to the world of work via the ambitious NU Futures scheme to be delivered in the hub.

 

Newcastle City Council services have however faced disruption due to coronavirus, with the local authority’s Planning Committee adapting its planning processes by introducing temporary delegated powers for select proposals.

 

It was Planning Committee Chair Councillor Hazel Stephenson’s decision to allow the Foundation’s planning application to be considered and approved under the new terms of delegation.

 

Sarah Medcalf, Deputy Head of Newcastle United Foundation, said: “We are delighted that planning permissions has been granted and all our efforts are now focused on creating a building that will serve the community for generations to come.

 

“The generous contributions we have received so far will support the Foundation’s missions to build our new home which will become a hub promoting excellence in education, pathways into employment and the physical and mental wellbeing of participants of all ages and abilities.”

 

Developers expect construction to begin in autumn 2020, with hopes of doors opening to the public in autumn 2021 when children, families, retirees, schools, community groups and businesses can use the state-of-the-art space.