Rokeby Developments - Mixed-Use Sale - Newcastle

Date: 01 Sep 2008

A specialist scuba diving school is being planned for a prominent site on the edge of Newcastle.

Diver Developments LLP has been formed by a trio of expert divers who are working up plans for the diving school at North Brunton, Gosforth, close to the A1 and an existing development with a pub, a drive through McDonald's and a motel.

The land has been bought from Rokeby Developments, which has numerous interests throughout the North East.

In a separate deal, Rokeby has also sold nearly an acre of land at the north east edge of the site to Woodhouse Developments from Guisborough to build a new petrol station and a Somerfield convenience store.

The 0.6 acre site for the scuba diving school is now in the hands of Diver Developments LLP while they work up a scheme with architect Dewjo'c, ready to present to Newcastle planners.

Will McKay, one of the trio behind Diver Developments LLP and a solicitor with Muckle law firm, said: "We hope to be able to provide the first purpose-built scuba diving centre in the North East. The centre will include a bespoke pool, ancillary classrooms together with a retail shop and restaurant.

"When opened, the centre will provide world class accommodation for scuba diver training, and the proximity of the A1 will allow the centre easy access to the spectacular diving available on the North East coast."

The Woodhouse Developments site is likely to be developed first, with £2m plans for the petrol station and convenience store already with Newcastle City Council.

Rokeby Developments director Adrian Goodall said: "These deals will enable the final phase of the North Brunton scheme to be developed out and the proceeds will be reinvested in our substantial development pipeline."

Bissett Kenning & Newiss and Dacre Son & Hartley advised Rokeby Developments.

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