Plans for hotel above Psyche in Middlesbrough unearthed

Despite planning permission being granted twice, a boutique hotel and restaurant above one of the North East’s most iconic shops never materialised.

However, the original blueprints for the ambitious complex above Psyche have been unearthed by the firm tasked with designing it.

Drawings of how the boutique hotel would have looked (Image: HARKIN)

For decades, Middlesbrough has been Harkin Associates’ canvas, with the leading local design and architecture firm responsible for some of the area’s best-known buildings.

And to celebrate the firm’s 35th anniversary, the firm’s Practice Principal Andy Harkin delved back into the archives for a look at one project that never came to fruition.

One of the firm’s most famous designs was Psyche’s flagship store in Middlesbrough town centre.

A 3D model of how the building would have looked (Image: HARKIN)

Now regarded as a retail institution in Middlesbrough, Harkin Associates was first approached over 20 years ago to design a shop that would go on to win awards for its aesthetic.

“At the time, Psyche was a flagship store for the North East and it changed that area of Linthorpe Road immeasurably,” added Mr Harkin.

“Our initial brief was for a 35,000sqft space – so the size of a department store but with the feel and passion of an ‘uber boutique. The aim was create ‘retail theatre’,” recalled Andy.

A drawing of how the inside of the building would have looked (Image: HARKIN)

“Since then it has attracted boutique shops and top restaurants, and Psyche very much acted as the catalyst for that change.”

However, as the store’s popularity soared, Harkin Associates was tasked with 'taking it to the next level'.

The firm drew up “futuristic” plans that would have resulted in a £5m hotel complex.

The site would have had 39 rooms and a 250-cover rooftop restaurant.

“There would have been an external panoramic glass lift and the bedrooms were to be pods, constructed off-site, that would have then been attached,” said Mr Harkin.

“Our designs were very out-of-the-box and exciting and it was ahead of its time.

“It would have offered panoramic views of the Tees Valley and added a lot of charm and originality to the town centre.”

A mock-up of how the hotel and restaurant would have looked (Image: HARKIN)

A planning application was first lodged in 2007 with approval granted by Middlesbrough Council.

Four years later, permission was once again granted.

However, despite the town centre needing something like the complex, the development was never built, while Psyche was later snapped up by Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley.

For Harkin Associates, however, many of their bold and ambitious designs did come to light.

Having designed spaces across Teesside, the company has now established itself as one of the area’s leading architectural design practices.

The Brignell Road-based firm has played a key role in transforming the Teesside skyline, and has helped transform everywhere from local schools to the Riverside Stadium – which it helped to prepare for the Premier League when Boro was last promoted in 2016.

That work has resulted in the company helping a raft of other top clubs bring their facilities up to scratch, including Leeds United.

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“We have had projects in Saudia Arabia, Dubai, the USA and Malaysia,” added Mr Harkin.

“However, nothing compares to seeing your drawings come to life in Teesside.

“That’s our home and the whole team still gets an incredible buzz when a building you helped design is built on your doorstep.”