The North East In My View: Jo Robison, Director DPP Planning’s Newcastle office and Sport and Leisure lead
I think the impact of the Mayor and North East Combined Authority as one voice for the region is really being felt, and it’s great to see.
Jo Robison
Can you tell us your views about how you feel the property market and infrastructure of the North East is fairing at the moment?
It’s really exciting in the North East at the moment. There is lots of proactive work going on and local authorities are working hard to rethink their assets and deliver leisure-led regeneration and investment opportunities. This includes looking at traditional retail sites which haven’t fared well post-pandemic, and also delivering quality public realm invest- ments on main high streets.
At DPP we have been closely involved in some amazing town centre catalyst regeneration projects. For example, Culture House in Sunderland and Blyth Culture Hub and Energy Central Learning Hub in Northumberland will bring new activity into centres, increas- ing overall spend and footfall, and generate investor confidence, boosting the local econ- omy, so it’s a win win.
There are some fascinating projects in the pipeline at the moment. DPP are working on Gainford Group’s redevelopment of New Bridge Street in Newcastle, as well as across several ambitious North East University pro- jects. Perhaps most notably, we are seeing the success of strong public/private partnerships unlocking vacant strategic sites. For example, in Durham, NETPark with Business Durham, Forrest Park with Barberry, Aykley Heads with Muse, and in Northumberland, West Hartford Strategic Employment Site with Arlington/ Homes England. There is still a lot of work to do but continued positive collaboration across sectors is the key.
At DPP you have a particular specialism in leisure and sport – how have those develop- ments changed in recent years?
In leisure and sport especially, we have seen a move towards more value being placed on overall quality of experience, on human connection, social interaction and wellbe- ing, so this drives our projects and buildings with facilities needing to be fit for purpose and have a far wider community draw. DPP worked on the multi award-winning Morpeth Leisure Centre, in Northumberland, which is a perfect example of this in action and I’d encourage anyone to go and see it. Through
private sector partnerships and innovative operators, the boundaries of what town and city centre sport and leisure uses are being pushed to new levels. This includes provid- ing a wider range of facilities under one roof, which has the dual purpose of being cost sav- ing but is also a focal point where people can come together, participate in sport, and use the spaces for banking, library, coffee shops, spa and adult learning. Morpeth Leisure Centre, for example, is now an incredible wellbeing hub at the heart of the community.
Additionally, both younger and older people are consciously making more time for lei- sure activities within their social circles, with increased participation in walking, cycling and team sports. We are experiencing a notable younger consumer demand for new and diverse forms of entertainment, including ‘competitive socialising’ and immersive ‘shared reality’ experiences using new technologies to entertain. This desire for a different type of social connection in the post-pandemic world and the drive for quality leisure and wellbeing provision is therefore having a positive influ- ence on town centres, playing a fundamental role in revitalising our urban cores.
or more details please visit
www.dppukltd.com
Pattinson Commercial: Your Trusted Partner in North East Commercial Property since 1977
At Pattinson Commercial North East, we have substantial experience in both commercial and residential sales.
And thus with decades of experience in the North East region property market, our expert commercial property team delivers the utmost tailored solutions that help local authorities maximise their assets while driving economic growth and community benefit.
Managing public sector property port- folios can come with challenges, from ensuring best value on asset dis- posals to attracting investors for regeneration projects.
We therefore understand the complexities councils face in managing surplus proper- ties, regeneration projects, and investment opportunities. By supporting local authorities with the disposal of surplus council owned assets, we help them achieve optimal returns on underutilised properties through our sales and marketing efforts.
Our commercial team can identify opportuni- ties that align with urban planning goals, eco- nomic development strategies, and housing needs, by sourcing land for regeneration and
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2025
development. We deal with lease negotiations for public sector properties, ensuring compet- itive, fair, and efficient leasing arrangements that maximise asset performance.
Our real strength lies in connecting councils with reputable investors and developers, as this is a sound way to reach the potential of public sector property.
We work closely with council estates man- agers, procurement leads, and urban plan- ners to deliver bespoke solutions that meet the needs of each project. Whether it’s disposing of excess assets, securing fund- ing for development, or negotiating lease terms, our expertise ensures a smooth and successful outcome.
A recent success to note was a piece of land we had listed with our auction facility, Pattinson Auction, which was ideal for a variety of uses, such as residential develop- ment, commercial projects, or a combination of both (subject to necessary planning per- mission). With its location, the site offered huge potential for growth and investment in a great community. With a Starting Bid of just £10,000, this land went on to sell for an amazing £51,500.
Another notable sale, also offered to auction, was a former taxi office, currently set up as a popular car wash/garage/workshop, with a guide price of £99,000, it sold for £125,000, and with an unconditional offer!
These examples are just two of many every- day successful commercial property sales we make at Pattinson Commercial, as we seek to not only offer sellers a quick and transparent sale, but also to reach and surpass starting bids.If you are looking to buy or sell commer- cial property, we would love to discuss how our Pattinson commercial team can help to support your strategy.
Website:
www.pattinson.co.uk/commercial/services Email:
commercial@pattinson.co.uk Phone:
0191 425 1507
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