An £8.7m project to transform a historic Tyneside building into modern offices will complete this year – 200 years after it was a focal point of the birth of the world’s first steam train.
Built around 1880, the Pattern Shop in Newcastle was originally used by the world-famous locomotive designer Robert Stephenson, forming part of the works where the Rocket was built. Now reinvented for modern companies, developers hope the Grade II Listed building will become the ideal base for businesses looking to make their mark on the city’s creative and digital sector, with new images showing how it will look once it opens later this year.
Based in the heart of Stephenson Quarter, the scheme marks the start of the next phase of development on the city centre site by Newcastle City Council and development manager igloo Regeneration. The council owns and will retain the building and further plans for the wider site will be unveiled early this year.
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Significant progress has been made on the multimillion-pound project to transform the building into modern offices and exhibition space. Following the extensive remodelling and renovation of the 32,000 sqft site, the hub will provide a large-scale exhibition and creative space for the city, as well as offering flexible SME workspace, or a single let, for up to 300 people.
Based close to Central Station and other major transport links, developers say the scheme – designed by Xsite Architecture – combines industry-leading telecommunications connectivity and sustainable technology, as well as low carbon, low energy infrastructure throughout the three-storey building.
Pippa Heron, of igloo Regeneration, said: “It is very fitting that the newly emerging Pattern Shop is coming full circle and returning as a fully transformed, truly iconic building for the city. The eye-catching glulam mezzanine floor is taking shape now and will be a signature feature of the scheme. The internal design work has also incorporated many unique industrial features that have been skilfully retained from the original workshop. We are delighted to be reaching these significant and visible milestones for The Pattern Shop and we’re now looking forward to 2023 where we will see this building play a major role in the wider renaissance of this important site in the city centre.”
After decades of neglect, the dilapidated workshop had to undergo extensive remedial works before it could start to visibly take shape as part of Newcastle’s creative and digital future. As part of its impressive sustainability credentials, The Pattern Shop will be BREEAM “Very Good”, with an EPC “B” rating. Its close proximity to the train station as well as cycle storage and showering facilities are also designed to encourage sustainable commuting.
Cabinet member for a resilient city, Coun Alex Hay, said: “The Pattern Shop was where steam engines were once made and shipped all over the world putting it at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. It’s very fitting that after years of underuse and neglect once again it will be at the heart of the digital revolution as the home of creative and hi-tech small and medium sized enterprises.
“Its location, overlooking the Tyne and so close to the railway station, will make it the perfect place to be in business. It will not only regenerate the area physically but also socially as it attracts investment and creates the jobs of the future.”
Patrick Matheson, partner from Knight Frank, agents for The Pattern Shop, said: “The vast majority of occupiers are now focusing their property requirements on highly sustainable, inspiring office spaces. We are seeing occupiers using their offices as a strategic business tool to significantly enhance their staff’s experience, collaboration and wellbeing. As we move into 2023, we expect this trend to continue and The Pattern Shop, with its incredible history, character and very strong environmental credentials, is well placed to deliver businesses with a superb workspace in the very heart of Newcastle city centre.”
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