Amazing views over Newcastle from city centre's newest…

Amazing views over Newcastle from city centre's newest office block

These are the views that await office workers at a development dominating the Newcastle city centre skyline.

The 14-storey, 207-foot high Bank House development is rapidly taking shape at the site of the former Bank of England block on Pilgrim Street – the first piece of a £100m-plus regeneration project set to transform the city centre. More than 180 construction workers are working on site at the project being built by Bowmer + Kirkland on behalf of the Reuben Brothers ’ development vehicle Taras Properties.

Two companies have already signed up for space in the building, which is set to be completed next April, with law firm DAC Beachcroft becoming the first tenant to be announced, saying it had committed to 15,000 sqft of space, across one-and-a-half floors. A letting to insurer Lycetts came soon after, with the firm set to move its 105-strong Newcastle workforce into the sixth floor after exchanging contracts on 10,000 sqft of new office space.

As the building, designed by Ryder Architecture, moves closer to completion, more companies are taking advantage of opportunities to get inside the building, and visualise how a new base for their business could look – as well as the amazing views that could welcome their workers.

The top floor commands views over the whole city and beyond, looking right into St James’ Park, along Northumberland Street, across Grainger Market, Newcastle Cathedral and Grey Street, all along the River Tyne and Tyne Bridge to Baltic and Sage Gateshead.

Top floor views inside Newcastle's Bank House (staff photo)

Views stretch right across the Tyne valley from the roof of Bank House (staff photo)

From the uppermost views, tenants will be able to look upon the rooftop architectural features on some of Newcastle’s historic buildings for the first time, while also seeing new structures as they start to take shape nearby. Office agents say they are not surprised at the current spike in interest, which will hopefully lead to new letting announcements soon.

Patrick Matheson, partner at Knight Frank, said: “Bank House offers the opportunity for large UK businesses to come and locate in prime offices in the heart of a city centre. The North East has a very strong skill base and its five universities producing high calibre graduates provide a superb platform for inward investment and north shoring projects.”

Tony Wordsworth, director at Avison Young, said: “Along with Knight Frank our joint letting agents we have carried out a number of viewings with some high profile businesses and there are more in the pipeline. The lack of new build supply coming into the market provides a degree of stability in the market which helps overall property and business confidence. We are confident that there will be more good news regarding the building in the coming months.”