Newcastle developers Adderstone Group are poised to start work on a new Grade A office scheme close to Newcastle city centre after receiving backing from planners.
The property group had originally planned to create a new student housing scheme next to Manors Metro Station by demolishing derelict offices at Eastgate House.
That scheme, however, was abandoned after a number of student schemes were created in the area, lessening demand, while the need for Grade A office space in the city has soared.
Now the firm, which is also behind the conversion of former club Baja Beach Club in Gateshead into offices, has been given the green light to refurbish the building and add two more storeys to turn it into high quality Grade A office with 44,000sqft of space at the Kings Manor Business Park.
Newcastle City Council granted approval for the two-storey extension, which will add 18,000 sqft to the existing 26,000 sqft building.
Adderstone Group has been working with Newcastle-based Intersect Architects on the scheme and proposes to erect two additional storeys on top of the existing building plus recladding of existing elevations and some improvements to cycle parking provision.
The plans will also see a complete refurbishment of the existing office space to Grade A standards.
Adderstone Group CEO, Ian Baggett said: “We are excited by the prospect of delivering a landmark 44,000 sq. ft office development. Eastgate House has generous parking and spectacular views across the city’s famous skyline, down towards the Quayside.
“We are aware there is pent up demand from local occupiers within the region seeking quality Grade A space in the city centre but also a number of large national and international businesses looking to relocate to quality Grade A space in the city centre.
“We hope to start work immediately, employing hundreds of local lads to bring this well-located building back to full use.”
