They visited the site and signed a steel beam which will be integrated into the structure of the first of two buildings, which will open in time for the 2028/29 academic year.

The visit provided the opportunity to see the redeveloped site beginning to take shape.

The redevelopment of Castle Leazes is a joint venture between Newcastle University and Unite Students, the UK’s largest owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and the first of its kind in the UK.

The Freemen, who have been the guardians of Newcastle’s Moors and open spaces for more than 800 years, were represented by David Wilson, Chair of the Freemen, who was joined by Councillor Joyce McCarty and representatives of project funders, Rothesay Life. They were shown the redevelopment by Nick Collins, Chief Financial Officer, Newcastle University, and Simon Jones, Group Higher Education Director, Unite Students.

The scheme has been designed with sustainability and the needs of modern students at its core and was given planning permission by Newcastle City Council in May 2025, including approval for the construction of a new path across Leazes Moor to improve accessibility to the main university campus.

Nick Collins said: “The redevelopment of Castle Leazes, working in partnership with Unite Students, is a key part of our strategy to enhance the student experience by providing high-quality student accommodation. The project has been made possible through a strong collaborative effort with a number of key stakeholders in the city, including the Freemen of Newcastle, Newcastle City Council, our local councillors and many others like our funders Rothesay.  So we were delighted to show them the progress we’re making on construction and to explain how the project will contribute to preserving the Castle Leazes site for the future as well as provide significant benefits to the city’s economy.”

Simon Jones said: “We designed this development in partnership with Newcastle University to deliver modern, affordable accommodation for students close to campus while also preserving the moor’s protected green spaces. We’ve worked closely with the Freemen and local community throughout the planning process and it’s a pleasure to be able to show them the progress we’re making in bringing our vision for Castle Leazes to life.”

When the redevelopment is complete there will be two new buildings, each sub-divided into 12 blocks of modern and sustainable living spaces for students.

The design for the Castle Leazes redevelopment was shaped through extensive consultation with the local community. The new site will create 2,000 purpose-built bedrooms and offer increased communal areas, including social hubs, games rooms, study spaces, and outdoor courtyards, designed to foster a sense of community.

David Wilson, Chair, Stewards Committee, the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, said: “We are excited for the potential of the newly developed site to provide a wonderful experience for students and to be something which will contribute positively to the city. The site has a wonderful location in relation to the city, the University and of course is uniquely adjacent to Castle Leazes Moor.

“We look forward to working together to make this the best it can be and to realise all of the benefits for students, the University, Unite, the city and all other stakeholders.”

Pictured left to right, are David Wilson, Chair Stewards Committee, the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne; Councillor Joyce McCarty; Taran Patel, Rothesay Life; Blair Leslie, Rothesay Life; Simon Jones, Group Higher Education Director, Unite Students; Professor Chris Day, Vice Chancellor and President, Newcastle University; and Nick Collins, Chief Financial Officer, Newcastle University.