University outlines vision for former General Hospital site

Newcastle University has unveiled its plan to redevelop the former General Hospital site in the city’s West End.The proposal for the 29-acre site addresses challenges posed by an ageing population, and includes research facilities, an area for elderly care and a mixed-use residential and commercial development. It follows the university’s agreement to purchase the site in a £7.5m deal from current owner Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.The university’s vision is for the development of three zones on land stretching from Nuns Moor Road to Westgate Road.A “Discovery Crucible” hosting a range of research projects at laboratories and clinics is proposed for the North of the site.The central zone would provide a range of care options for older people and a centre of excellence in dementia care. It could encompass a dementia-care village, as trialled in the Netherlands, a care home, intermediate care facility and assisted living homes.A residential and business zone to the South could also host SMEs and provide space for the creative arts.The existing Westgate Walk-in-Centre, a unit for patients with minor injuries and illnesses at the South end of the site and part of Newcastle Hospitals, will remain and is outside the site purchased for re-development. Other services on site, including the Diabetes Centre will remain in place for up to three years.