The former Arriva bus depot in Jesmond could remain a public car park until summer 2027 under retrospective plans submitted to Newcastle City Council.
The grade II listed site on Portland Terrace closed as a bus depot in 2022. Last year, proposals were unveiled to transform it with new homes, a cafe, restaurants, community hubs and shops, but that regeneration has not yet begun.
Part of the site is currently operating as a £4.75-a-day car park with 68 spaces. The Park Nova Group has asked the council for retrospective planning permission to allow the car park to continue operating until June 29, 2027.
Congestion relief argument
The planning application argues that an active car park at the disused 1930s depot, which sits off Jesmond Road and within walking distance of the city centre, could help alleviate congestion and provide a use for the site while its long-term future is undecided.
“We consider, in principle, that this site represents a suitable and sustainable location for a small-scale car park on the border of the urban core boundary with access to sustainable transport,” the application states.
“The site represents a suitable parking location for commuters into the city centre, reducing the impact of commuters travelling into the city centre. Jesmond Road is typically heavily congested, especially at peak hour, therefore, providing suitable and affordable alternative parking opportunities would benefit the highway network as well as the local people.”
Historical use and future plans
The section used as the car park was previously a private car park for Arriva staff, with the main depot building left unaltered. Submissions from Hedley Planning add: “The site previously operated as a private car park for the staff of Arriva Bus Depot prior to this use coming to an end, so the proposed use aligns well with historical patterns.
“The proposed development seeks to reduce the existing impact on the highway network by diverting commuters away from the Urban Core, thereby alleviating congestion. Situated adjacent to public transport measures, such as local buses and the metro, the site offers sustainable transport into the city centre from the site, as well as an achievable walking distance.”
Hedley and developers Vistry held a public consultation last year on the depot’s future, proposing a “comprehensive redevelopment” of the vacant building that would “revitalise the site, bringing new life and activity to a key gateway to the city which is currently detracting from the area”.
