Member News
Two former Northumbria University students, and longtime friends, are behind some transformative plans to demolish a derelict West Jesmond working men’s club and build a sustainable housing development.
George Jenkins of Newcastle-based property development company, Modo Bloc, has teamed-up with RIBA chartered architect Benjamin Kinch, founder of Greatspace Architects, to create a scheme of one and two-bedroomed apartments.
The pair met at university in 2005 whilst George was studying real estate and Ben was reading architecture. The site holds personal significance as they have both lived in the West Jesmond neighbourhood.
Their proposal is to create a vibrant community of 43 comfortable and practical apartments which would be vehicle-free to promote cycling and public transport and will include on-site amenities for residents.
The plans have been submitted to Newcastle City Council for consideration.
The site, which includes a disused Royal British Legion Club and carpark, is next to Lonsdale Court and Jesmond Place, with a Metro line running along its western boundary and West Jesmond Avenue on its eastern edge. The Grade II Listed St Hilda’s Church is adjacent to the site.
The scheme features two “sensitively scaled” residential buildings positioned around a central landscaped amenity space to encourage a sense of community and connection.
The design is inspired by Jesmond’s lost local landmarks including the West Jesmond Metro Station platform covers and the historic Jesmond Picture House. It combines a concrete ground floor, warm brick upper storeys, and distinctive green precast detailing to create a contemporary, yet “contextually appropriate” addition to Jesmond.
Benjamin Kinch said: “It was an honour to be asked by George to design a building with such vision and heart, especially on a site that holds deep significance for the locals and for us personally. This is a genuine opportunity to renew and strengthen community spirit in the area. The building has been designed to uplift, to bring joy, foster a sense of belonging, and encourage residents to build meaningful relationships and care for one another.
“It’s carefully considered form and massing pay tribute to some of the cherished buildings the area has lost, aiming to make an enduring and positive contribution to the architectural quality of the neighbourhood while enhancing the setting of nearby heritage assets.
“The scheme is underpinned by sustainable design principles, incorporating biodiversity enhancements, low-carbon energy solutions, on site energy generation, and infrastructure for active travel.
“Crucially, the proposals have been developed in close collaboration with officers at the Local Planning Authority to ensure alignment with Newcastle’s broader planning and urban design goals.”
Greatspace Architects, based in Hexham in Northumberland, designs towards Passivhaus standards and reducing carbon use.
George Jenkins adds: “It’s been great working with Ben and his team. The design reflects Modo Bloc’s commitment to innovative urban regeneration and Greatspace’s expertise in people-focused design, whilst championing energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and community wellbeing.”
The professional team for the scheme includes DPP Planning Consultants, Jasper Kerr, Apex Acoustic, Sarah Dyer Heritage Consultant, T20, SAJ Transport Consultant, Layer Studio Landscape Architect, Elliot Con Arboriculturalist, OS Ecology Ecologist and Roberts Environmental.
Modo Bloc, a family-run developer based in Newcastle, transforms spaces with a design-led approach.
