Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver the Castle Leazes student accommodation development in Newcastle upon Tyne for Unite Students and Newcastle University.

Gateway 2 approval has been secured from the Building Safety Regulator for the £274 million scheme, which will replace the original 1960s-era, 1,250-bed accommodation with 2,009 high-quality, affordable student rooms.

Designed by Norr Architectural, the development will place a strong emphasis on communal spaces to encourage student interaction and foster a sense of community. Accommodation will be arranged across a series of blocks ranging from two to nine storeys in height.

The project will be delivered in two phases. Phase one will provide 788 beds, scheduled for occupation at the start of the 2028/29 academic year. The remaining rooms will be completed as part of phase two and made available for the 2029/30 student intake.

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Bowmer + Kirkland has an established track record with both Unite Students and Newcastle University, having delivered around 3,000 student rooms across multiple projects nationwide for the accommodation provider. For Newcastle University, the contractor has previously completed the Stephenson Building, which received National Project of the Year at the RICS National Awards 2025, as well as The Catalyst and the Urban Sciences Building.

North East + Scotland Regional Director for Bowmer + Kirkland, 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."

Demolition and enabling works began in June 2024. Since then, Bowmer + Kirkland has delivered the equivalent of £9.6 million in social value, including local employment and spending, community and charity initiatives, and training and work experience opportunities for local people.