Bowmer + Kirkland has been chosen to lead the construction of the Castle Leazes student accommodation development in Newcastle upon Tyne, following confirmation as the main contractor for the scheme by Unite Students and Newcastle University.
The project has received Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, allowing work to proceed on the £274m ($378m) redevelopment.
The scheme involves replacing the former 1960s accommodation, originally comprising 1,250 beds, with 2,009 student rooms.
Norr Architectural provided the design for the new development, which distributes rooms across buildings ranging from two to nine storeys and includes communal spaces intended for student interaction.
Construction will take place in two phases. The first phase is set to deliver 788 beds for students at the start of the 2028/29 academic year.
The remaining rooms are scheduled for completion ahead of the 2029/30 intake.
Bowmer + Kirkland started demolition and enabling works in June 2024. At this early stage, the company has reported social value contributions equivalent to £9.6m through local employment, spending, community initiatives, and training opportunities.
Bowmer + Kirkland, North East and Scotland regional director Ed Besford said: “Castle Leazes is a landmark redevelopment project, we are delighted to be supporting our long-standing clients Unite Students and Newcastle University to deliver a high-quality project that meets and exceeds the design and sustainability standards set.
“Our team worked hard to support the Gateway 2 process, ensuring that the development meets the safety requirements and we are pleased to have been given the green light, with the approval marking Bowmer + Kirkland’s third approval from regulator in six months.”
Bowmer + Kirkland has previously partnered with Unite Students and Newcastle University on several projects totalling 3,000 student rooms across the UK.
The company’s completed work for Newcastle University includes the Stephenson Building, which received National Project of the Year at the RICS National Awards 2025, as well as The Catalyst and Urban Sciences Building.
