Riverside plan for offices
Business Reporter THIS striking office development would be the first in a Tyneside town for a decade.
Gateshead Council has submitted a planning application to deliver the first speculative office development in Baltic Business Quarter which, if given the green light in May, could be completed in late 2019.
The £12m project, creating around 59,000sqft of top quality office space, is being designed by Newcastle architects Ryder Architecture, with contractor Willmott Dixon also on board to take the project forward.
Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said: “At a time when there is limited office space available, and the Gateshead economy is going from strength to strength, the decision to build the first speculative office development in the borough reflects our confidence in the area.
“There is a good level of unsatisfied demand for prime office space and the strategic position of Baltic Business Quarter has cemented our decision to press ahead with the project while we seek tenants.
“By building speculatively we are responding to that demand.
“The 5,500sqm high-specification office block is designed with growing businesses in mind.
“These companies could occupy half, whole or many floors with the five-storey building comfortably housing up to 600 employees.”
In a design statement submitted to planners, the development is described as “another step toward achieving the vision for the broader Gateshead Quays with a vibrant mixed-use community with arts and culture at its heart in a real living, working environment”.
Richard Wise, partner at Ryder Architecture, said: “Ryder have designed and delivered over 1,000,000sqft of workspace over the last 10 years.
“Our experience combined with recent research into future workplace patterns has helped create a modern, efficient, flexible office hub capable of attracting a wide range of tenants and will assist Gateshead Council to achieve their ambition for Baltic Business Quarter and the wider area.”
The new space will be leased by BNP Paribas Real Estate.
Director Aidan Baker added: “There continues to be a lack of Grade A office supply within Newcastle city centre and Gateshead.
“Gateshead Council’s decision to deliver a Grade A scheme when the private sector are not active shows the forward-thinking nature of the council.
“The building will be developed to a high specification and will benefit from the superb proximity to Gateshead Quays and Newcastle city centre and therefore we anticipate there will be a high level of interest.”