A Newcastle charity has spoken of its shock after being told it must move out of the building it has called home for the last six years.
Newcastle Women's Aid is one of a number of charities based at MEA House in Ellison Place that must relocate by next summer following the sale of the office block.
The MEA Trust, a charity that owns the Grade II listed building in the city centre, sent a letter to tenants last night (June 19), to inform them it had been sold to Northumbria University and their lease is being terminated.
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Michael Spriggs, chairman of the MEA Trust, said the building will be used by the university to expand its current campus and will undergo a multi-million-pound refurbishment as part of plans.
Mr Spriggs said it was a "difficult decision" but that the trust could not afford to keep up the maintenance of the building.
"The investment needed to keep it in a satisfactory condition is significant and too large for the trust to fund without increasing rents to substantially above market rates," he said.
“Therefore, after lots of careful deliberation and professional advice, we have made the difficult decision to sell the property.
“Northumbria University has purchased the building to gain much-needed additional space on its campus and will undertake a multi-million-pound refurbishment of MEA House to bring it up to expected modern standards.
“We are working closely with all our tenants to help them find alternative office space and the university is being as flexible as possible, giving us a generous amount of time to complete relocations.
“We are looking at the future of the trust and how it can, with limited resources, best support the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.”
MEA House was the first purpose-built office accommodation building designed specifically for a collection of charities nationally. It was the brainchild of Mungo Campbell, a local businessman who had made his money in shipping and was opened by the Queen in 1974.
A Northumbria University spokesman said: "We are delighted to have agreed terms on the purchase of MEA House in summer 2024. The acquisition of the building will enhance our student’s learning experience, as well as provide new research facilities for Northumbria staff at the heart of our city campus.
“The university is working with MEA Trust to be as flexible as possible to allow tenants time to find alternative space before any renovation work is undertaken.”
Charities including Smart Works, Becoming Visible and Newcastle Women's Aid are among those based at MEA House who must now search for a new office space.
Elaine Langshaw, chief executive officer of Newcastle Women's Aid, spoke of her shock at the news after six years in the building but stressed that the charity is not closing and will continue to provide vital services.
"As a tenant of MEA House, Newcastle Women's Aid was informed along with all tenants about the sale of MEA House late last night (June 19) by email and letter from the MEA Trust," she said.
"We were shocked as we had no prior indication this was happening. We have provided specialist domestic abuse support services from our base at MEA House for the last six years. The location works so well for women and girls who need our services.
"We are sad for the city of Newcastle as MEA House is home to a range of charities that provide essential support and services to all communities. We hope they can continue to do so in a new location within the city, we know the costs of relocation will be expensive and as charities, this will be an unexpected cost to incur.
"We want to confirm Newcastle Women's Aid is not closing. This is really important to know as we do not want anyone experiencing domestic violence and abuse to think they cannot access help, this would increase risk.
"Newcastle Women's Aid has provided specialist support to thousands of women and girls for over 45 years in the city and we will continue to do so. "
