Plans for a multi-million pound hotel complex complete with a rooftop swimming pool, nightclub, restaurants and retail outlets have been unveiled for Newcastle city centre.

Local firm Space Architects are designing the scheme, which will encompass nine existing neoclassical buildings – seven of which are Grade II listed – along the city’s Grey Street

The studio have been tasked with creating a new visitor attraction for the North East region, while making sure their design is sympathetic the historic façades of the street. They are currently facilitating a conditions survey of the existing buildings and generating 3D models of the using laser technology “to fully analyse, review and consider the historic fabric.”

Director David Coundon said: “We’re very excited at the scale and ambition of this project. It allows us to deliver an important restoration project for the city, generating new luxury facilities that will attract visitors and locals alike.”

Leisure operator Malhotra Group PLC – which also owns the neighbouring Grey Street Hotel – is overseeing the £35m development, and plans to build a 20 bedroom, four star deluxe hotel at its heart.

The project also includes the site of the city’s original Theatre Royal – which will become home to a number of retail outlets within a glass covered cobbled street.

“It’s a very ambitious scheme, and we will work very closely with the city planners and conservations department in respecting all aspects of the historic architecture to ensure these landmark buildings are brought back to their former glory,” said Meenu Malhotra, chair of Malhotra Group PLC.

“As owners of the Grey Street Hotel we are well aware of the importance of ensuring that any development in this area celebrates its history and we believe this new hotel will be a huge asset not just to Grey Street but to the city as a whole.”

Full plans for the scheme will be presented to Newcastle City Council by the end of the year, with a view to starting the refurbishment in spring 2018. The plan is for the leisure complex to be open by the end of 2020.