Developers unveil modern makeover for former Newcastle…

Developers unveil modern makeover for former Newcastle Building Society offices

The former head office of Newcastle Building Society opens this week following a multimillion-pound renovation.

Portland House will be unveiled at a launch event tomorrow, November 3, and the building has 30% of its space already under offer, following a year-long refurbishment project led by the building’s owners, developers James Keegan and Oliver Holland.

The pair wanted to create a modern 60,000 sq ft workplace within the 1990s-built office, making sure the five-storey building promotes productivity, sustainability and wellbeing. New features include a communal workspace in the Grade II listed Broadcasting House, bookable meeting rooms, ‘living wall’ installations, showers and changing facilities and electric charge points for cars and e-bikes.

Mr Keegan, originally from Newcastle, said: “We are passionate about sustainable development – this has been key to the decision to refurbish, rather than demolish, Portland House and save the emission of thousands of tonnes of embodied carbon.

“Working with our design team we have developed an energy efficient scheme which revitalised the existing building and reduced unnecessary waste – we recycled over 97% of our waste, more than 150 tonnes in the strip out alone, something we are very proud of.

“We have stripped the building back to its bare bones to comprehensively upgrade the mechanical and electrical systems. Working with Aspire, we have delivered a market leading connectivity solution for our tenants.”

30% of the office space within Portland House is already under offer. (David Wood)

Portland House in Newcastle. The transformation has created a range of working areas including co-working spaces and private meeting rooms. (David Wood)

Earlier this year the developers secured £750,000 of grant funding 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. Portland House has also been certified as WiredScore Platinum by the global digital connectivity certification system that assesses and benchmarks buildings’ digital infrastructure.

Mr Holland added: “We see our aims of designing a building that promotes wellbeing and productivity as being complimentary. We have installed biophilic installations and used anti-viral and air purifying paint to improve air quality. We know from multiple studies that a healthy and happy office is an effective one.

“We have worked with HqO to develop an app that effectively runs the building. The goal is to provide tenants with a seamless experience – to make their lives in Portland House as simple and enjoyable as possible. Occupiers will use their phone for access control and to invite visitors and book meeting rooms, but the app also hosts partnerships with local businesses including yoga studios and gyms as well as providing access to on-site services such as dry cleaning, bike servicing and health and beauty treatments.”

BNP Paribas Real Estate, Sanderson Weatherall and Parker Knights have been appointed as letting agents for Portland House.