A 100,000 sq. ft landmark office development planned for the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne’s heritage Stephenson Quarter has been renamed to reflect its key gateway position as part of a wider regeneration success story for the city.
Formerly known as The Pioneer, One Founders Place is seeking a pre-let partner that shares the values and ambition of the development team to create a striking new building offering planet-positive office space over 10 storeys. It will be a unique development signalling a key entry point to the wider £137million Founders Place scheme taking shape across the site.
Designed by RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, One Founders Place is one of several climate positive buildings planned for the area, which is steeped in heritage. It will be technologically advanced and has been designed to meet BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status and Building with Nature certification.
One Founders Place will be sited near to where the famous George and Robert Stephenson’s first purpose-built locomotive factory was established in 1823, located beside Newcastle’s central train station.
The timely rebrand was announced just as new evidence was published by Historic England that shows the best way to boost a town or city’s economy is to invest in its cultural past. By applying strict mathematical criteria, the research found that wherever heritage and cultural history are linked to the new business communities, greater economic productivity and business growth follows.
The research by respected academic Silvia Cerisola provides further evidence that cultural heritage, which underpins schemes such as One Founders Place, can positively influence creativity and local economic development. The study also showed that where cultural heritage is abundant, the area performs better economically. On average, an increase in the cultural heritage is associated with a real GDP growth of 0.14%.
As a workplace, One Founders Place will be flooded with natural light and have panoramic views from outdoor terraces across the cityscape. Technologically advanced, tenants will be able to enjoy a stunning workspace that has occupier wellbeing and environmental considerations at the heart of its design. Built around a central urban hub, the scheme is targeting the highest market standards including Well Building Standards and incorporating climate positive technologies including all-electric heating and cooling systems, onsite renewable energy and passive solar shading.
One Founders Place is being brought to market by igloo Regeneration with Thriving Investments, in a partnership with Newcastle City Council called Founders Place LLP.
Joe Broadley from igloo Regeneration, said: “One Founders Place will sit on an incredible location with an industrial legacy that few UK cities can boast. Many historic sites have been lost over the decades and so we wanted to ensure that the Stephenson legacy, such as the soaring brick railway arches, will be visibly reflected throughout the scheme.
He added: “Businesses increasingly want something different for their workforce, a space that makes a statement whilst respecting its heritage but still utilising 21st technology and sustainable solutions to help the planet. One Founders Place ticks all the boxes.”
Councillor Alex Hay, Cabinet Member for Thriving City at Newcastle City Council, said: “Founders Place is a key part of our city’s history. By working in partnership with Igloo Regeneration, we are committed to reinvigorating this historic and distinctive part of Newcastle.
“The successful opening of The Pattern Shop, following its renovation earlier this year, demonstrated that this area is an important part of our plans to create an inclusive, green economy that also preserves the proud heritage of our city.
“Taking inspiration from its historic location and connectivity to the station and Forth Yards, One Founders Place will deliver high quality space for business and growth, with sustainability and well-being in mind.”
Agents Knight Frank have been appointed to secure pre-let partners for One Founders Place. Partner Patrick Matheson, said: “This scheme offers a unique pre-let opportunity for an innovative business that values the planet, their people and their work-life experience in equal measure.
“One Founders Place will become a distinctive feature on the city’s skyline and, with such a fine design pedigree behind it, it is sure to become one of Newcastle’s most prized architectural and design gems.”
One Founders Place will also be ideally placed in the sought-after Stephenson Quarter that includes Central Square, with neighbouring hospitality businesses such as the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Spa, Gin Bar, The Boiler Shop music and events venue, 5 Quarter Café & Bar and The Arches Beer Street Micropub and Bottle Shop.
Just five minutes from the Tyne and Wear Metro, it also connects to local, regional and national transport routes. On foot or by bike, it is a few minutes to the city’s cultural, hospitality and retail experiences as well as Newcastle’s Quayside, part of the famous C2C national cycle route.