Plans unveiled to demolish former Sage HQ at Newcastle Great Park for up to 320 new homes

Sage site

Major plans have been submitted that could see the former Sage headquarters at Newcastle Great Park demolished and replaced with a brand-new housing development.

The huge office building, which has stood empty for several years after Sage moved to Cobalt Business Park, could make way for a new development called Skyline Quarter.

Here's everything that's been announced:

Up to 320 new homes are planned across the 24-acre site.

The development would include:

• Two, three, four and five-bedroom semi-detached and detached family homes.

• One and two-bedroom apartments.

• At least 75% of the homes would be family houses.

• 48 homes (15%) would be designated as affordable housing.

The existing 230,000 sq ft former Sage headquarters would be demolished as part of the plans.

The proposed development would feature:

• A central community area at the heart of the estate.

• A large public open space.

• A "radial park" with green spaces and recreational areas extending out from the centre.

• New pedestrian walkways and cycle routes throughout the site.

The development would connect to:

• Existing bus stops.

• Public rights of way.

• Shared walking and cycling routes.

• Newcastle Great Park town centre.

• Havannah First School.

• Great Park Academy.

The location would also offer easy access to the A1 and A19, making commuting to Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington and Middlesbrough easier.

The site sits between North Kenton and Hazlerigg, around six miles from Newcastle city centre.

The proposals have been submitted by Avant Homes North East, who say they want to transform the long-vacant site into a "vibrant community."

Richard Hosie, Regional Managing Director at Avant Homes, said the layout has been designed around a central community hub, inspired by the original Sage HQ, with public spaces, pathways and cycleways radiating outwards.

The site has been earmarked for redevelopment for several years. When Sage first put the building up for sale in March 2021, property agents said it could be suitable for residential, assisted living or mixed-use development, subject to planning permission.

It's important to note that these are currently outline planning proposals only. No final approval has yet been granted, and the plans will now be considered by Newcastle City Council.

What do you think?

Great use of a long-empty site that could help tackle housing demand?

Or would you rather see the former Sage headquarters reused instead of demolished?

Let us know your thoughts below.