£2m investment turns Newcastle building into "impressive" hybrid office

MCM Group has unveiled plans for a additional investment in excess of £1m to transform the former Café Royal building into a new hybrid office concept.

The development will feature informal working spaces, a fitness studio, lounges with refreshment areas, a private roof terrace, meeting rooms, internal cycle storage and showering facilities, all set across six floors.

An extensive renovation of the Grade II listed building is currently underway, with Knight Frank and Sanderson Weatherall having been appointed as joint letting agents. The project is expected to be completed in Q2 2022.

Douglas Cranston, investment director at MCM Group commented: “We have designed a coming-to-work experience like none other available on the North East market right now. It is clear that occupiers want to bring their teams together, when needed, in a collaborative, informal, social space with beautiful, inspiring surroundings.

“The pandemic has significantly changed our working practices, with many businesses making the decision that desk-based, solo work can be done at home whilst collaboration, training, socialising and cultivating a company culture can flourish in the new style hybrid office.”

Patrick Matheson, partner at Knight Frank, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for an occupier to secure market leading space in a vibrant, thriving and central location in Newcastle city centre, only a minute’s walk from The Monument.

“The building can be occupied as an impressive HQ office but has been designed with flexibility at its core so it can also be let on a floor-by-floor basis. The fact that an occupier can move straight in and have a much-reduced capital expenditure in regard to the fit out is a huge advantage.”

An emphasis on sustainability has been incorporated into the design using reclaimed and vintage furniture. Natural materials such as wood and cork will be used to enhance this aspect.

Jen Bernard, founder and managing director of Bernard Interiors commented: “8 Nelson Street will offer a stylish and unique working environment, combining carefully considered design details with function, comfort and flexibility. The scheme will be a very exciting addition to Newcastle city centre - we’re looking forward to fitting out early next year.”

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