Newcastle University recently announced its £250m partnership with Unite Students to offer undergraduate students 2,000 beds in a newly rebuilt Castle Leazes.

The accommodation is set to open again in 2027/28 and will provide students with fully equipped en-suites with 6 to 10 bedrooms in each self-catered flat. 

Nick Collins, Executive Director of Finance at Newcastle University, said: 

“[Morriss House in Nottingham] is probably as close to what Castle Leazes will eventually look like once reopened.” 

The new build will rely heavily on design features from Unite Students, including a shared amenity space for socialising and studying, a gym, and a secure reception for entry. 

In a public press release, Joe Lister, Unite Students Chief Executive Officer, said:  

“The partnership will provide further support to Newcastle University in meeting their accommodation needs at a time of real housing shortage, so that they can focus on providing a world-class experience for their students.” 

Find the original press release issued by Unite Students, here. 

Collins revealed the new Castle Leazes accommodation blocks will not be priced at the current Castle Leazes range, but instead priced towards the top end of the price bracket. 

Existing accommodation offered by Newcastle University starts at £178.50 per week. Available at Park View, the newest and most expensive accommodation, which opened in 2018 replacing old accommodation on Richardson Road. 

This decision remains controversial as many students share their worries over Newcastle University no longer offering catered, affordable options for accommodation following the closure and remodeling of Castle Leazes.  

Stage Three Journalism, Media and Culture student, Rhys James, said:  

“I think realistically it was a very unsafe place to live, but it’s the only cheap option available, so what’s the alternative for others when that’s all they can afford? That’s what I’m worried about.” 

On average, rent prices have increased in Castle Leazes by £20 this year. Elo Quitmann reveals her rent costs her £135 per week in the 2022/23 academic year. Whereas this year the rent for the same accommodation block costs £155 per week. 

For more information regarding the cost-of-living crisis and the demand in the housing market for students in Newcastle and surrounding areas, click here. 

Another university student, Adriana Newbury, said: 

“I loved Castle Leazes, I thought it was such a good experience. Maybe I have a more unique perspective, but I’ve never paid more than I had to.” 

But much of this was due to the social elements she experienced in the catered halls: 

“When they rebuild Leazes they need catering options, especially for the social element. As a fresher it was the perfect way to make friends and socialise with other blocks.” 

Newcastle University said they are looking into pricing existing accommodation at an affordable entry point by suppressing prices and refusing to inflate existing options. 

Currently prices start at £129.50 per week for Windsor Terrace, the cheapest accommodation offered by Newcastle University for undergraduate students. 

For more information on the accommodation options offered by Newcastle University, click here. 

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