Residential Restoration Project In Newcastle Shortlisted For Two Prestigious Awards

An ambitious restoration and conversion of an historic Newcastle building to create luxury

Byzantine House, located in Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond – and recently converted into 10 one and two-bed apartments and mews – has been nominated in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Design Awards. Newcastle’s Lord Mayor’s Design Awards, which have been run every two years since 1994, aim to promote the best architecture, environmental design and improvements to the built environment across the city. Awards and commended finalists are given to outstanding projects in the fields of architecture, planning, urban and landscape design.

Byzantine House, converted by design-led local developer Provenance Developments, is in the running to win best conservation/refurbishment project along with best housing development in the city. An awards ceremony takes place at the Mansion House, Jesmond, on February 6, so for many reading this, a decision will have been taken on winners and commendations.

The first show home opened to the public in October and already estate agent Urban Base has successfully confirmed reservations on 50pc of the homes. Built in 1914-15 to a design by local architect Marcus Kenneth Glass, the grade 1 listed building showcases the style and opulence of an Art Deco interpretation of the Byzantine Revival style. Provenance Developments and its award-winning interior designer Melanie Brown, of Design Direction, have paid respect to the unique features of the building and designed new homes that boast individually designed layouts, light filled interiors and an unrivalled level of high-quality finish.

Melanie said: “To be recognised in the Lord Mayor’s Design Awards is a great tribute to the efforts of the entire planning, design and build team that delivered the project. Whatever happens at the final ceremony, it’s still an honour and privilege to be recognised as being among the very best of Newcastle’s residential projects in the last two years.”

Her business partner Varsha Sehgal added: “This recognition along with the strong demand for the properties is proof that the City recognises and values high-end, design-led property projects. “When we started Provenance, we knew we didn’t want to be another ‘me too’ developer. We didn’t want to be doing what others are doing and be delivering more beige boxes to the market. We wanted our passion for design and our attention to detail to shine through.”

Byzantine House was originally built as a synagogue and served the United Hebrew Congregation of Newcastle upon Tyne until closure of the building in 1986. More latterly the building was used by Newcastle High School for Girls. And now the building has been converted into luxury living.

In July last year, Newcastle City Council placed a blue plaque on the building in recognition of its historic significance. Lord Mayor Cllr David Cook said: “There’s an enormous danger when historic buildings change their use that their heritage is lost but this fantastic building has been retained and I’m delighted that we still have it here in Jesmond.” Jan Dale, director at Urban Base, explained: “There has been strong demand for these luxurious one and two bed apartments. Purchasers and people viewing the apartments quickly appreciate the meticulous refurbishment that retains a classic style, while offering a superb standard of contemporary specification.

“The developer and design team have extensive experience in carefully regenerating unique buildings and pride themselves in their attention to detail, bringing historical features to life while creating elegant spaces with every modern comfort and convenience.”