Luxury apartments and bar in Newcastle's Hadrian's Tower

After 30 months of building, contractor Tolent has handed over the 26-storey luxury development to owner The High Street Group.

Standing at 83m – six times the height of the Angel of the North – Hadrian’s Tower has set the record as the city’s tallest building.

The developer describes it as a new concept of luxury living in the region, branded ‘hometel’, and said three quarters of the apartments have already been sold or let.

The building has a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments and three penthouse suites all with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out across the city’s skyline.

Its 26th floor champagne and cocktail lounge 3SIXTY is due to open to residents and the public shortly and the mezzanine floor has Hadrian’s & Co coffee house.

Among the luxury features for residents is a dedicated app, which links to the 24/7 concierge and can be used to book housekeeping services, arrange dry cleaning and laundry, turn up the heating or book a table at venues across the city.

Residents can also order room service from the on-site kitchen.

And Hadrian’s Tower is billed as the healthiest tower in Newcastle, offering fresh, healthy and calorie controlled pre-prepared meals straight to the residents’ door.

Gary Forrest, chairman of The High Street Group, said: “We are exceptionally proud of Hadrian’s Tower, which is testament to the vision, dedication and imagination of our team and creates a new community in the heart of Newcastle.

“Tolent has met our expectations by delivering a truly stunning building that will be home to our ‘hometel’ concept living.

“Hadrian’s Tower is quickly becoming the most-sought after address in Newcastle, offering the type of luxury living and 5 star-standard services and benefits not seen before in the city.

“Hadrian’s Tower reflects The High Street Group’s strategy to create sustainable communities where people can buy or rent for the long-term and is a real jewel in the crown of our development portfolio.

“The interest in the apartments has been phenomenal and we look forward to welcoming the first residents who will make Hadrian’s Tower home.”

David Thompson, regional director for Tolent, said: “Hadrian’s Tower is one of the most iconic projects ever undertaken in Newcastle, integrating high quality architecture and construction to create a bold structure that now stands tall and proud on the city skyline.

“We’re delighted to have been involved in another significant development in the region and I’d like to thank our teams, supply chain and wider partners for the support throughout this project - the end result is certainly something we can all be proud of.”

Cllr Ged Bell, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for Employment and Culture, said: “Hadrian’s Tower was incredibly ambitious, but it has set the standard for modern, luxury living in Newcastle and now has pride of place on the city’s increasingly-impressive skyline.

“The quality of this build and the intrigue it has generated throughout the region is demonstrated in the quick take-up of apartments, and I’m sure people will flock to the 26th-storey champagne bar to take in its breath-taking views as soon as it is open and safe for them to do so.

“Despite these challenging times, Newcastle is very much open to investors bringing high quality jobs, homes and buildings to our great city.”

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of North East of England Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have watched, with eager anticipation, as Hadrian’s Tower has arisen in the heart of Newcastle.

“To see it reach fruition is very exciting, especially as it has been completed in the face of the Covid crisis.

“City centres may see much transformation as a result of coronavirus and it is really important to find ways of encouraging more residential provision if we are to sustain so much of the lifeblood of our cities – thus this development is key to the long term future of Newcastle.”

Sarah Green, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Hadrian’s Tower brings luxury accommodation coupled with concierge service to the heart of our city centre. This development demonstrates the quality of life our city can offer and helps position the region as a great place to relocate, as businesses and people re-consider their options post Covid.

“This investment by High Street Group is a signal of confidence in the region’s resilience as we look towards the future and I am sure, when it is safe to do so, there will be many celebrations at the top of Hadrian’s Tower in Newcastle’s first champagne bar at sky level. This exciting new venue is a welcome addition to the region’s hospitality offer and is set to be a hit with visitors, locals and residents.”