An accommodation provider Unite Students has partnered up with Newcastle University to demolish Castle Leazes and replace it with 2,000 new beds. Leazes is based in Spital Tongues, a short walk from the main university campus, and has been home to many University students. The accommodation dates back to 1969 and for the last 50-plus years has been a home to tens of thousands of students.
"The accommodation dates back to 1969 and for the past 50-plus years has been a home to tens of thousands of students."
Currently, Castle Leazes has 17 accommodation blocks and a central management block, providing approximately 1,250 bedrooms equipped with either en-suite or shared bathrooms, as well as a canteen for catered students.
The University first announced its plans to replace Leazes in 2019, highlighting how the current halls of residence are approaching the end of their lifespan. Additionally, the current growth in the student population has not been matched with the expansion of university-owned accommodation.
"the current growth in the student population has not been matched with the expansion of university-owned accommodation"
Official demolition of Castle Leazes is planned for this summer, with the replacement accommodation expected to open around 2027-2028.
Unite Students, a Bristol-based company which already runs several different accommodations across 20 cities in the UK, and is one of the largest providers of student accommodation in the UK, have agreed to a separate four-year deal to replace Castle Leazes.
Newcastle University will own a 49% in the company and contribute the Castle Leazes site on a 150-year lease. Unite will own 51% and commit around £70m and the rest of the funds will come from borrowing.
