Hedley Planning Services has won planning approval for the new multi-million pound residential and hospitality development of the former Allied Irish Bank  headquarters in Newcastle

The news will see the former bank at 9 – 17 Collingwood Street, which has been vacant for nearly nine years, transformed into a ground and mezzanine floor bar and restaurant complex.

Twelve serviced apartments will also be built above on the first and third floors, providing high quality accommodation to meet the strong demand for city centre living space. Plans for an onsite concierge, a gym and cycle storage will also move forward as part of an ‘exciting’ project that will see most of the existing frontage and infrastructure retained, while the overall space is boosted by the addition of a third-floor extension to the rear façade.

We have worked with Portland Real Estate Group to secure approval for the development from Newcastle City Council’s planning committee.

Sean Hedley said: “This is great news, bringing a well-known site in an attractive location back into use and securing its long-term future. The new development with its nearby transport links and easy walking distance to a range of facilities and services, will significantly contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of the local economic sector.”

Mohsin Rashid, director of Portland Real Estate Group, added: “We would like to thank the local authority, listed building and consultants who have all aided in bringing this project to life. Their input and experience have been invaluable”

The Grade II building was built between 1890 and 1891 for a private bank and was last occupied by Allied Irish Bank until 2013, but it has been vacant ever since and the upper floor office suites have been derelict even longer, having been vacated in the late 1990s.