Developers leading the transformation of a former building society head office into modern workspace have secured £750,000 of grant funding.
James Keegan and Oliver Holland bought Portland House in 2021, after spotting an opportunity to turn the Newcastle city centre office into new space for a post-Covid world.
The pair are carrying out a multimillion-pound package of works, with a redesign from Ultimate Commercial Interiors, including a series of green initiatives backed with Government funding.
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The building, the former headquarters of Newcastle Building Society, will reopen this summer with 60,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, complete with measures designed to promote sustainable modes of transport, with cycle racks, bike repair stations and charging points for electric cars and bikes.
The grant for the project has been funded through the Government’s Getting Building Fund, established to kick-start the economy, create jobs and help areas facing the biggest economic challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The North East LEP is managing £47m awarded through the Getting Building Fund to support capital investment across the North East.
Portland House is aiming to create 65 construction jobs as a result of the refurbishment programme, and it is estimated that 495 jobs will be accommodated within the building once open. Mr Keegan said: “The way we work has changed in recent years and the pandemic has been a catalyst for many businesses to re-evaluate what their staff really need. Our vision for Portland House has always been underpinned by a desire to create an inspirational place to work.
“The grant will enable us to invest in a range of eco-friendly features such as carbon neutral flooring and LED lighting with motion sensors to create a more sustainable building and healthier working environment.”
Andrew Moffat, chair of the North East LEP Investment Board, said: “As we start to build back from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s essential that infrastructure projects support the UK’s drive to net zero, and provide opportunities for people to adopt more sustainable and environmentally-friendly working practices.
“The redevelopment of Portland House demonstrates how targeted investment from government’s Getting Building Fund is helping the North East bounce back and ensure the region is at the forefront of the UK’s green industrial revolution.”
The developers are partnering with technology provider Office App to provide occupiers of Portland House with touchless building access, removing the need for access cards.
