A new scheme was revealed in 2019 by London-based M7 Real Estate to turn the Cale Cross office block into flats, which would boast “spectacular views across the Tyne”.

A huge city centre tower block must have its cladding removed before it can be turned into flats - because it does not comply with post-Grenfell fire safety rules.

Plans have been lodged to replace the aluminium cladding on the outside of Cale Cross House, next to the Tyne Bridge, before the building is converted into apartments.

According to documents lodged with Newcastle City Council, the existing cladding “would not be compliant” with fire safety regulations for residential accommodation that were updated after the Grenfell Tower disaster which shows that progress is being made on cladding related fire issues.

A statement from England Lyle Good town planners on behalf of the developer states: "The changes to the present cladding system are required in light of our client's intention to convert the building to residential apartments in line with the current prior approval consent, specifically due to changes to Building Regulations post-Grenfell; we understand that the present system would not be compliant with the relevant regulations from a fire safety perspective for residential accommodation."

The council has identified 11 buildings in the city with aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding following the government’s national building safety programme established in response to Grenfell.

A spokesman said that work to remove and replace the affected cladding has been completed on eight of these buildings - with “progress” on two more and investigations still ongoing onto the extent of the work required on another.

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