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Sign of the times? SEE-THROUGH common room designed to protect historic Newcastle wall; The new design for a nine-storey student block includes a glass common room around the Sinclair tobacco sign on Westgate Road.

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Byline: Kathryn Riddell

There were fears it would obstruct one ofNewcastle'smost well-known signs.

But plans for a new student blockin the heart of the cityhave been adapted to make part of it SEE-THROUGH.

The proposed nine-storey development on the corner of Westgate Road and St James' Boulevard sparked opposition earlier this year over fears that the building could cover up the Robert Sinclair Tobacco Company sign.

New plans have now been submitted by Versant Developments, who bought the derelict piece of land last year 12 years after the Carlisle Hotel was demolished on the site.

The building has been redesigned following concerns that the flats would block the Robert Sinclair Tobacco sign which has existed since 1856.

It means a glass-fronted common room directly in front of the sign has been suggested as a way to keep it visible to the public.

The new design shows the sign illuminated with spotlights behind a seating area for the students.

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A design document produced by Versant and The Jesmond Group of chartered architects they said "the significance of the sign on Blenheim House is important to planners".

It adds: "Thus, the internal layout was amended accordingly, so that the sign is not covered up, but instead lit up and is displayed as a prominent feature in the common room (on Levels 6 and 7).

"It will also be able to be viewed externally."

However, one neighbour believes the sign will still be unnecessarily obstructed if the project is given the green light

.

Jane Hodson-Hamilton, who lives in Blenheim House, next to the proposed site, said: "I don't really think a glass panel will solve the problem.

"Coming up Westgate Road it will still be obstructed.

"It's an iconic sign and they are doing away with a bit of Newcastle history."

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In an official objection to the plans, Jane added...

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