ARCHITECT Ryder has won the design contract for the conversion of Tyneside landmark Swan House from offices into luxury flats.

The £14m development will create 165 apartments in Newcastle city centre on a site facing the Tyne Bridge.

Work includes the creation of a further floor on the top of the building, new pedestrian links and remodelling of the public realm at the base of the building to reconnect the site with the city.

The project still needs planning permission but is scheduled to start soon and be finished next summer