£4m redevelopment of Newcastle's Bruce Building

The historical Bruce Building in Newcastle city centre will be transformed into a new £4m mixed-use development alongside the existing commercial units.

The Bruce Building on Percy Street, was unveiled in 1900, by local architect Joseph Oswald, as the headquarters of Newcastle Breweries. Over a hundred years later, the Grade II listed building is still partially in use and will again be fully utilised once the development is complete.

This landmark building is set over three storeys and has many of the original striking features and detailing. Bought by Kings College of Durham University in the 1950’s, it then became part of Newcastle University in 1963.

Most of the Bruce Building is currently vacant but plans are in progress for Michigan Investments Limited, who have recently purchased the building, to develop it and create sixty high-specification studio and one bedroom apartments as well as a café/restaurant, retail units and serviced offices.

Mark Walton is director of Michigan Investments and has seen first hand the rise in demand for city centre apartments in recent years in his role as Managing Director of Walton Robinson lettings and estate agency.

He said: “The Bruce Building has been home to Walton Robinson for over a decade now. It is going to prove invaluable in terms of the company’s long term future and development of all departments with WR involved in the refurbishment, furnishing, letting and management of the apartments.

“The project will transform the interior of this landmark building into an exciting new mixed-use development. Michigan Investments have acquired an exceptional property which is currently under utilised and requires care and attention to bring it back to its former glory. We are looking forward to seeing the finished article improve the landscape at this end of the City”.

Michigan Investments Limited completed the purchase of the Bruce Building following negotiations with Storeys Edward Symmons, property and asset consultants, working on behalf of Newcastle University. The negotiations took place over several years with timing and access arrangements dependent on the adjacent development which was completed earlier this year.

Mark continued: “City Centre living is becoming more and more desirable in a vibrant city like Newcastle and living on Percy Street will suit professionals and post-graduates as well as both domestic and international students. The Bruce Building is close to Haymarket, the RVI hospital, Newcastle and Northumbria University Campuses and everything else the city has to offer.”

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