A major letting has been announced at a prime Newcastle office after government housing agency Homes England revealed relocation plans.
The agency, which is currently based in Gateshead, will move into The Lumen at the 24 acre Newcastle Helix later this year after sealing a deal for almost 20,000 sqft of space, saying it is committed to investing in the area.
Homes England’s new 19,316 square foot office space at Lumen, which reopened in May, will have capacity for up to 300 staff and fit-out works are due to complete this autumn.
The group has several schemes in the pipeline in the North East, including a partnership with Newcastle City Council and Places for People Igloo on the continued development of the Ouseburn scheme, where work is currently on site for the next phase of 28 new homes at Lower Steenberg Yard.
Simon Dudley, interim chair of Homes England, said: “With this move, we are reaffirming our commitment to employing the majority of our colleagues outside of London and locating ourselves in the heart of regions which are key to us delivering our mission of getting more homes built where they’re most needed.
“While moving back to an office-based work life may still be some time away, we are taking a long-term view and remain committed to investing in the north east region and being a significant employer here. Moving to this larger, more collaborative office space will allow the agency to grow and ramp up our work in the north east.”
Councillor Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for Employment and Culture at Newcastle City Council, said: “The Lumen has marked a huge milestone in the Newcastle Helix story, and we are thrilled that Homes England will be moving in later this year. Not only is Newcastle Helix a place for business, it’s a place for innovation and new ways of living.
“By being based in Newcastle Helix, Homes England will be able to benefit from being co-located with business, academics and local experts – supporting them to accelerate the delivery of much-needed new homes."
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The group was represented in negotiations by property agent Avison Young.
Tony Wordsworth, director of offices at the firm, said: “The Lumen building brings forward a significant contribution to the dwindling supply of Grade A office stock in Newcastle’s city centre. The Lumen is a sustainable building with excellent transport links and will meet Homes England’s requirements for a high-specification, accessible office space from which to operate in the north east.
“This letting shows there is a strong level of latent demand for high-quality city centre offices, which bodes well for other schemes in the development pipeline.”
Gordon Aitchison, director of investment and development at LGIM Real Assets, added: “The Lumen is an exceptional space, providing opportunity for collaboration with leading academics, researchers and business people. I am sure the site will be a fantastic new base for Homes England, helping to drive economic, social and housing growth in the north of England.”