Welcome to Orchard Yard
Orchard Yard forms the residential component of the wider Founders Place regeneration. The design is underpinned by a strong heritage led approach, responding directly to the site’s industrial legacy while accommodating contemporary urban living.
Designed by Newcastle-based acclaimed architects FaulknerBrowns, Orchard Yard will provide a mix of 79 homes, including apartments, duplexes and family houses, designed to create a sustainable city centre community.
The ambition from sustainable developer igloo in partnership with Newcastle City Council is to bring this significant part of the city back into use and unlock its next phase – restoring, retaining and repairing heritage structures as part of a pioneering mixed-use neighbourhood, creating a new place to live and work in the city centre.
Consultation
The team behind proposals for Orchard Yard are looking for your feedback on the current plans. You can see a model of the development and chat through the plans in person at these community consultation events:
When:
Wednesday 22 April, 1-5pm
Thursday 23 April, 12-5pm
Where:
Farrell Centre, The Sir Terry Farrell Building, Eldon Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RD
You can also download the plans here and share your views online here until 7 May 2026.
Share your feedback
Homes for the future
The scheme delivers a new neighbourhood of high quality, future-proofed homes designed to support a diverse, balanced and multi-generational community.
The proposed development will provide homes that encourage long term residency rather than short term or transient occupation, helping to establish a stable and resilient community over time.
View plans
Heritage led regeneration
Orchard Yard is being developed with a strong focus on heritage‑led regeneration, ensuring Newcastle’s industrial past is at the heart of a new, welcoming residential neighbourhood.
Orchard Yard will be a living, evolving community. The scheme is centred on the conservation and reinterpretation of the historic Stephenson Works, a site of international significance linked to George and Robert Stephenson and the birth of the railway age.
Key heritage assets, including the listed South Street Machine Shop façade and other historically significant buildings, are to be carefully retained, repaired and celebrated. This approach safeguards collective civic memory while giving the site a renewed purpose and relevance in contemporary Newcastle.
Next steps & timeline
7 May 2026: Consultation period closes
May 2026: Anticipated planning application
Early 2027: Anticipated start on site
Join the mailing list
If you’re interested in hearing more about Orchard Yard in the future, you can sign up to the mailing list below.