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Engineering consultancy Cundall has launched its new headquarters in Newcastle city centre. The design and engineering multinational has moved from its former base at Regent Centre in Gosforth into Bank House, the prime property office dominating Pilgrim Street which it was involved in designing.

The Newcastle-founded firm, which has 1,200 staff in 29 offices around the world including Hong Kong, Dubai and Sydney, last year signed up space in Bank House, saying the move would will help it achieve more global growth. Just over a year on, the company has now moved its 150-strong Tyneside workforce into the tenth floor of the 14-storey building in a move marking almost 50 years since the practice launched its first office in Newcastle in 1976.

Carole O’Neil, managing partner, Cundall, said: “This new office space not only celebrates our legacy in Newcastle, but also sets the stage for our future. While we now have offices all over the world, our roots remain firmly in Newcastle, and we’re proud to be part of the city’s continued evolution.”

Cundall was integral to the design and delivery of Bank House, as well as leading the fit-out of its own office space. It has also been key to the wider Pilgrim Place regeneration project.

The fit-out, a collaboration between Cundall, Space Architects and fit-out contractor B&K, features purpose-built office and entertainment spaces that are tailored for flexibility, sustainability and wellbeing.

Jim Allen, partner and Newcastle office lead, said: “The design of our new headquarters reflects the creativity and expertise of our team, and the considerate, multi-disciplinary design that is behind every one of our projects. We’ve designed a space that prioritises natural light, acoustic comfort and the wellbeing of our staff. The space is flexible, welcoming and built to be adapted for both work and client events.”

Furniture from the former Gosforth headquarters was retained and repurposed, with chairs reupholstered and desks resized and reused. Where reuse wasn’t feasible, low-carbon alternatives were chosen to minimise environmental impact.

Plants and preserved moss are also used throughout the space, which also has a waterfall feature crafted entirely from recycled materials, and a full-sized tree emerging from the bar in the central collaborative hub known as ‘The Park’.

Other elements include carpeted zones, a media room for filming and podcasting, and a wellbeing room with programmable lighting that changes to suit different uses.

Other notable projects that Cundall has helped design and deliver in the North East include Pilgrim Quarter, The Pattern Shop, The Biosphere at Newcastle Helix and QTS data centre.