Plans to turn empty bus depot into flats and shops

The bus depot in Portland Terrace, Jesmond, which was previously home to Arriva, closed in 2022

An empty bus depot could be turned into homes, shops and a restaurant, if plans are approved.

The Grade II listed site in Jesmond, Newcastle, closed in 2022 and developer Vistry Group said it wanted to bring the building back into use.

The company said the columns at the front would be retained, with apartments available for rent built on the upper floors.

A public consultation is due to be held at Jesmond Parish Church on 7 April to gather feedback, with a planning application expected to be submitted to Newcastle City Council in the summer.

The company said its plans may also include a cafe and community spaces alongside the flats.

The developers wants to submit a planning application this summer

Alex Franklin, director at Hedley Planning, which is working with the developers, said the Portland Terrace scheme would bring an empty building back into use, while boosting the number of homes in the area.

He said: "There are currently huge pressures on the housing sector and more properties are desperately needed to meet the shortage and provide young people with good quality homes in an area that they want to live in."

The depot, which was built in 1930 for United Automobile Services, was previously home to Arriva.