Member Article

Regeneration is key to Northern Powerhouse success

The closure of the SSI steelworks plant at Redcar is an opportunity to show how architecture can play a huge role in our economy and communities. Architecture is not about winning awards – it’s about using the built environment intelligently to stimulate sustainable growth. This is what excited me about design and construction from an early age.

Teesside is on the back foot but we need to find ways to bring back life, industry, hope and opportunity to the region. There are of course many facets to this but the built environment plays its part.

I am fascinated by the regeneration of towns, cities and regions. The dictionary definition of regeneration is;

“Bring new and more vigorous life to an area, industry or institution”

With that definition it has to be worthwhile. As a northern architectural practice this is what Space Architects has been doing for 60 years. We design buildings which, as part of a strategy, help to regenerate areas and bring prosperity.

Ten years ago we completed Trinity Gardens on the Newcastle Quayside and this is now a vibrant part of the city with housing, restaurants, shops and businesses.

On the other side of the river we built Baltic Place – a more challenging project and after several tough years we are seeing the “South Bank” become a real area for growth.

More recently, we completed phase one of the Stephenson Quarter development behind Newcastle Central Station. The new Crowne Plaza Hotel with neighbouring offices and a car park is the anchor for this redevelopment area.

These projects are not just about the design or aesthetics of the building but about an understanding of the economics and commercial drivers for sustainable development.

Looking at international success stories, there have been many precedents. Personal favourites of mine are Bilbao and the Olympic Park where buildings from Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid are the centre pieces of these strategies.

Another is the redevelopment of Kings Cross in London. Argent has skilfully modelled a previously derelict area to create a new and vibrant community, bringing world-class architecture together with a fantastic public realm. It has strong transport connections and an excellent mix of residential, leisure and office space.

However, the regeneration scheme which I think impresses me the most however is Middlehaven in Middlesbrough. Fronting the River Tees and covering approximately 140 acres, Middlehaven is one of the most ambitious regeneration developments in the North of England.

I remember visiting the site several years ago, before the whole thing started to take shape and I thought it was madness! It looked like no man’s land and I struggled to see how it would happen but I returned a few weeks ago and it’s great to see that this is now a truly buzzing part of the city.

The college has been used to bring liveliness and excellent access to the city has stimulated footfall. Incubator businesses have been encouraged into start-up offices, the architecture is fun and confident and the public realm is of high quality and well thought through.

The stadium and artwork create interest and I even love the dock with the rusting ship – a culturally relevant reference to heritage. I’m a fan of smoke and chimneys because they mean industry and manufacturing.

Space Architects has decided to be part of the landmark scheme and the regeneration of the area by opening an office in the Middlehaven development.

We want to embrace the Northern Powerhouse and are currently working across the entire North, however we believe there is a risk the East coast of the Northern Powerhouse is in danger of being overlooked.

As a result, we now have offices in Hull, Middlesbrough and Newcastle to help to promote growth and regeneration – we see huge potential here. The coast has impressive ports and links to mainland Europe. There is an indigenous skill base and living costs are low, as well as a history of innovation over the centuries.

Over the last 15 years we’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in the improvement of the infrastructure across the East side of the regions. Space Architects has built schools in Hull, Newcastle and Middlesbrough. Now we have to focus on building a sustainable future. We are currently working on office developments, theatres and housing across the same areas to build upon previous investment.

As someone who is born and bred in the region, I am passionate about the North and specifically the North East. I think we have a lot to offer and through confidence and innovation we must build upon past glories to ensure a successful future.

Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group @spacegrouprob

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rob Charlton .