FORMER Newcastle United owner Freddy Shepherd last night unveiled plans to turn the historic La Sagesse site into one of the North East’s most expensive housing complexes.

Sixty private dwellings – apartments and houses – are proposed for the site as part of a multi-million pound development.

Under new plans submitted to Newcastle City Council, the site’s Jesmond Towers, the former home of shipbuilder Charles Mitchell, will be converted into 10 apartments with one or two bedrooms.

The exterior will be given huge investment as refurbishments are carried out. North Jesmond House, where a chapel was housed, will be transformed into five apartments with between one and three rooms.

Last night Mr Shepherd said the development could create up to 250 jobs and would help preserve Jesmond Towers and the surrounding 13 acres of land.

The tycoon, who owns the Tyneside-based Shepherd Offshore, said: “It’s an exciting development for Jesmond. Something had to be done with the site because it was never going to go back to having 1,200 kids on site.

“It’s one of the most important sites in the region – incredibly significant for Jesmond – and we will be returning the Towers to its original form.

“We think it’s important that it is kept in the correct manner. If we are granted planning permission then it could create 250 jobs and the development will be sympathetically done.”

Mr Shepherd bought the £5m site, which includes the former La Sagesse School, in 2009 and it is hoped the development, if given the go-ahead, will support local services, such as Jesmond Dene House and other facilities in the area.

The former convent school’s West Lodge will be transformed into a two-bedroom home, while eight three-storey homes – each with five or six bedrooms – will be constructed.

A new five-storey building will house eight apartments and second five-storey building will provide 16 apartments.

Mr Shepherd said: “The gardens will be maintained the way they are. We must stress that the Towers are staying exactly the same way they are now, we will landscape the grounds and have been working with English Heritage to bring the site back to its former state.

“The interest that we’ve had off people and locals has been very, very encouraging. It will improve the area.”

Jesmond Residents’ Association secretary Alan Grant said: “In principle, it’s a good idea because the land will be brought back into use. The proposal to save Jesmond Towers is obviously welcomed.”

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