Grade A Offices Set for Baltic Business Quarter

Gateshead Council has submitted a planning application to deliver the borough’s first speculative office build in Baltic Business Quarter, near to the Quays, in a move that has been described as “forward thinking”.

If the £12 million project gets the green light from planners in May, it will be the first new development of Grade A office space in central Gateshead in nearly a decade when it completes in late 2019.

Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council backs the project and explained, “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 5,500m² 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.”

Contractors Willmott Dixon and international design practice Ryder Architecture are on board to take the project from concept to completion.

Richard Wise, partner at Ryder said, “We are delighted to be selected on this project alongside Gateshead Council and Willmott Dixon.  Ryder have designed and delivered over 1,000,000sqft of workspace over the last 10 years alone and received eight BCO awards and commendations.  Bringing 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 assisted 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 and Director, Aidan Baker said, “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.”