Revised plans for 'beige' office complex approved

Revised plans for a multi-storey office complex have been approved, despite being described as being "boring, bland and beige".

Newcastle City Council's planning committee accepted an altered plan for the project on East Pilgrim Street, put forward by the billionaire Reuben brothers.

The scheme was initially approved in 2021 but plans were submitted again as one of the proposed office blocks had to be redesigned to comply with post-Grenfell fire safety regulations.

Councillors were told the nine-storey 2 Pilgrim Place required a second "escape core" following the rule changes.

The updated plans were unanimously approved, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But Independent councillor Marion Williams said: "Where are the 'this is Newcastle' buildings that come forward to us. I am not seeing it.

"If there are architects and investors in the room, I would be so delighted to see something not boring, bland, and beige."

Labour councillor Dan Greenhough claimed the development was having a "transformational effect" on the region.

"It's bringing back into use some of Newcastle's forgotten historic gems and building the next generation of modern office accommodation that offers pleasant work environments in the heart of our great city," he said.

The wider regeneration plans to the area include 1 Pilgrim Place which will provide office space to Department for Work and Pensions staff, as well as Pilgrim Quarter which will house 9,000 HM Revenue & Customs workers.

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