Pilgrim’s progress as work is

All hail the king of rock ‘n’ roll as the new Elvis movie is released. MARION MCMULLEN looks at the life of a music legend

BUILDING work has officially started on a new £155m HMRC headquarters in Newcastle.

Pilgrim Street has undergone a major transformation over recent weeks, with a huge demolition project clearing the way for the biggest office development in the city centre’s history.

After the notoriously-ugly Commercial Union House was torn down and the former Stack shipping container village dismantled, contractors Bowmer and Kirkland are now getting started on building the new Pilgrim’s Quarter office complex.

Once completed in 2027, the massive site will be home to around 9,000 staff who are being moved from HMRC’S existing North East offices in Washington and Longbenton.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held on Friday to celebrate the next phase of the regeneration of Pilgrim Street, which will house the largest of HMRC’S 14 regional hubs.

Marc Gill, HMRC’S senior leader in

Newcastle, hailed the moment as a “significant milestone.”

He added: “Pilgrim’s Quarter will provide a first-class, modern, digitally enabled workspace for HMRC’S largest office - right here in Newcastle.

“HMRC is extremely proud of its history in the North East and we look forward to continuing to provide thousands of high-quality Government careers in an iconic location in the heart of Newcastle city centre.”

Steve Barclay MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “We’re committed to levelling up the country and this hub follows recent expansions in the region from the Treasury and DEFRA.

“Moving 9,000 staff into one city-centre site will deliver fantastic footfall for local businesses while also making the Government property estate greener and more efficient.”

The Pilgrim’s Quarter complex will stand at between six and nine storeys tall and wrap around Pilgrim Street, Market Street, New Bridge Street West and John Dobson Street.

The old Dex car park has also already been torn down to make way for the

development, while Bamburgh House and the interior of the art deco Carliol House are also set to disappear.

Newcastle City Council approved the major construction plan, being led by the Reuben Brothers, in April, since when the Government has opted against calling in the council’s decision despite concerns from heritage groups about the impact on Carliol House.

Coun Alex Hay, the council’s cabinet member responsible for economic

development, said: “We can see with the demolition work which has already taken place exactly how significant a development the Pilgrim’s Quarter is for our city centre.

“I’m pleased the next phase is now under way. When complete, the new North-east home for HMRC will house thousands of workers who will contribute to the wider economy of our city and provide a welcome boost to businesses across Newcastle.”

Elvis and his wife Priscilla chat with Sir Tom Jones in Vegas. The singers became friends after meeting on the set of Elvis’ film Paradise, Hawaiian Style in 1965.

Love me tender:

Demolition work in Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, where new HMRC offices will be built

The ground breaking ceremony at the Pilgrim’s Quarter development. Coun Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council; Roger Thornton, Motcomb Estates; Marc Gill, Regional Senior Sponsor HMRC and Michelle Percy, Director of Place, Newcastle City Council

The Pilgrims Quarter offices which will be HMRCS new base

1950 All shook up: Elvis earned his sergeant stripes in the US Army. “The next thing I knew, I was out of service and making movies again,” he said. “My first picture was called GI Blues, I thought I was still in the army.” 1971 It’s not unusual: 1968 Get out the blue suede shoes: The Elvis comeback TV special gave Elvis another career boost. He has sold more than a billion records worldwide over the years. 1963

1968 Elvis and his wife Priscilla welcomed their newborn daughter Lisa Marie into the world. She said: “Anytime I was in Memphis with my Dad and at the house, I was happy.” 1961 Top billing: Tuesday Weld starred with Elvis on Wild In The Country. He was only 21 when he made his first movie and appeared in 31 films during his career and made two concert documentaries.

Always on my mind: Colonel Tom Parker was the singer’s famous manager. The two men first met in 1955. Here he is seen visiting Elvis on the set of one of his films. 1937 A star is born: Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 to parents Vernon and Gladys and lived in a tworoomed house in Tupelo, Mississippi, before moving to Memphis. His twin brother Jessie was stillborn and Elvis grew up an only child.

1940 Hound dog: Elvis went to Humes High School in Memphis and had no idea music stardom awaited. He once said: “I was training to be an electrician. I suppose I got wired the wrong way round somewhere along the line.”

1957 Return to sender: Elvis kept his roots in Memphis and made his home at the Graceland estate. He paid $102,500 for the property and passed away there in 1977. He was 42 years old.