Member Article

Completion of Jesmond landmark in sight

THE revival of the former Jesmond Picture House site in Newcastle is on-track to finish in Autumn after developers confirmed construction work is in an advanced stage now the steel framework of the building is in place.

Building work at the landmark site, known as ‘The Jesmond’, has been progressing since September last year and the erection of the building has been well underway over the last few months.

The £6.4m redevelopment scheme next to West Jesmond Metro station, which includes office and retail space, is being led by property investment firm MK Partnership and will create around 100 jobs.

Sunil Mehra of the MK Partnership, said: “Work at The Jesmond has been progressing to plan since last year meaning we are expecting to complete the project on schedule.

“The sight of the steel structure is a visual milestone for everyone involved with the project and for the nearby local community that the site is coming back to life.

“Updating such a historic site has come with many challenges but ultimately the investment is worth it. The Jesmond will help regenerate the area, provide a new focal point for this vibrant Tyneside suburb and deliver a tremendous amount of value to local businesses and residents alike.

“The Jesmond will be a landmark building which is ideally suited to a growing business as it offers occupiers a high profile that is normally only associated with trophy buildings in the city centre, but at a significantly lower cost.”

Since the official unveiling of the building plans in November, the development has received significant interest from both potential office and retail occupiers. Sainsbury’s is already confirmed to occupy the larger of the two retail spaces while enquiries are still being considered for the cafe unit.

In addition to over 2,000sq m of workspace, The Jesmond boasts outside terraces on two of its three floors. It is understood that along with lower rents, the service charge for these Grade A offices will be significantly lower than equivalent offices in the city centre despite enjoying a city centre like profile

Construction has involved complicated sequencing due to the tight site as the building takes up the entire footprint.

The Jesmond concept was penned by award-winning architect Kevin Owens, the Design Principal for the London 2012 Olympic Games and is being delivered by local architect Stuart Palmer of Studio SP.

It will see the regeneration of a brownfield site and the creation of a state-of-the art and environmentally-friendly commercial space. The Jesmond is being project managed by Knight Frank in Newcastle and built by local firm Metnor Construction.

The project has been supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government’s (DCLG) and a grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) due to the employment opportunities it will deliver to SMEs.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Crulley .