Banking giant Barclays is moving into Newcastle’s flagship office complex Bank House, which has now officially opened.
Property agents have confirmed Barclays is relocating its regional base from its Quayside base later this year, taking 5,000 sqft on Level 7 in the new 100,000 sqft Grade A tower on Pilgrim Street. The banking and financial services provider will join law firm DAC Beachcroft, which has now taken move into its offices, set across one and a half floors and 15,000 sqft, and insurer Lycetts, which is currently completing an office fitout ahead of moving in its 105-strong Newcastle workforce later this month.
The move marks a return into the city centre for Barclays, which moved out nine years ago into St Ann’s Court on the Quayside. It brought all staff from two offices – in Grey Street and Cross House – under one roof in the four storey, 35,000sqft office.
Read more: Magnitude Biosciences seals £500,000 investment
The 14-storey Bank House is the first of three new sustainable office buildings to be developed at the southern end of Pilgrim Street. The 207 ft high building, designed by Ryder Architecture and built by Bowmer + Kirkland, will eventually be home to more than 1,000 workers when fully occupied.
Bank House is the first building to be completed within the Pilgrim Street development, a transformational regeneration project which will deliver over 750,000 sq ft of new offices – including the new Government building set to house more than 9,000 HMRC workers – a new public square, a permanent base for the Stack destination drinking and dining brand in Worswick Chambers and a new boutique five-star hotel.
Andrew Simmons has been appointed as Bank House’s building manager, to oversee the building’s maintenance, operations and security. Property specialists are always working with leisure companies to open a cafe or restaurant in the ground floor area of the building.
Mr Simmons said: “Bank House is a superb addition to the city centre’s commercial district. We have created a modern and sustainable environment in which companies and their employees can thrive and prosper. Amenities such as our 4,500 sqft reception area, charging points for electric bikes and floorplates with stunning views across the city, will allow businesses to provide a vibrant workplace that employees will look forward to coming to.”
Letting agents for Bank House are Avison Young and Knight Frank. Patrick Matheson, partner at Knight Frank, said: “We are seeing a lot of interest in Bank House, with demand for quality office space that accommodates growth and expansion remaining strong.
“With its great location, superb facilities, low carbon footprint and easy access to city centre amenities, Bank House provides a fantastic opportunity for organisations who want to embrace the many benefits that come from investing in a sustainable and inspirational workplace.”
READ NEXT
- Port of Tyne secures £50m from UK Infrastructure Bank
- People on the move: key North East appointments and promotions
- North East deals of the week: key acquisitions, contracts and investments
- North East business life: charity, community and award events
- Fresh plans submitted for Newcastle city centre hotel, brasserie and bar
