Newcastle University and partner Genr8 Kajima Regeneration have secured planning consent for a £500m Health Innovation Neighbourhood masterplan.

Construction will transform a former 29-acre general hospital site into a new neighbourhood combining housing alongside modern healthcare, education and community facilities.

Specialist ageing research will develop advanced infrastructure to support housing solutions that promote longer, healthier lives.

The masterplan includes 350,000 sq ft of research and innovation facilities, 350,000 sq ft of business, employment and education space, 100,000 sq ft of NHS and other health-related facilities, alongside 1,250 new homes.

The residential space is intended to deliver a range of multigenerational dwellings across a variety of tenures including, co-living units, market rent, later and supported living homes and specialist housing.

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, said: “Our planned Health Innovation Neighbourhood builds on our world-leading expertise in healthy ageing and will be the first of its kind in the UK, tackling major health and social challenges with the aim of identifying solutions that will benefit people here in the North East and beyond.

“We are delighted that the detailed masterplan of our exciting development has been given the green light to put ageing and health at the heart of a flourishing community which will bring together research, innovation, commerce and living.”

Richard Ingham, Director, Genr8 Kajima Regeneration, added: “The Health Innovation Neighbourhood scheme has an ambitious vision to create a global exemplar for innovation in sustainable living and the longevity economy.

“We aim to develop a neighbourhood where housing, the environment, infrastructure, research, and education will drive and inform healthy living across all life stages. We are proud to be a part of a project that will ultimately help people live longer and healthier lives.”

GSSArchitecture has developed the masterplan, working with Pegasus Group who have provided planning advice.