Stunning Multi-Million-Pound The Pattern Shop Redevelopment in Tyneside Officially Opens
The Pattern Shop transformation from derelict workshop to imposing landmark in the heart of Newcastle city centre has been unveiled this week after more than two years in redevelopment.
The £8.7million conversion of Robert Stephenson’s historic engineering workshop is now officially open, with a series of private and public events* marking this important milestone for the city.
Built circa 1880, The Pattern Shop was originally used by the world-famous locomotive designer Robert Stephenson, one of the greatest engineers of the Victorian era. Now reinvented as a modern workspace, this striking Grade II Listed building is set to become the ideal base for ambitious and forward-thinking businesses.
With spectacular southern views of the Tyne bridges, the three-storey building is situated directly adjacent to Central Station and other major transport links. The scheme combines industry-leading telecoms alongside cutting-edge sustainable technology, as well as low carbon, low energy infrastructure throughout.
The Pattern Shop has been sympathetically converted with emphasis on retaining as many original features as possible, including the cast iron pillars in the Engine Hall, large arched windows, floorboards, and roof timbers, some of which date back to the Stephenson era. Preserving key features has also helped ensure that 98% of waste from the conversion works has been diverted from landfill.
Following the extensive remodelling of the 32,367 sq. ft. site, the hub provides Newcastle with flexible SME workspace, or a single let, for up to 300 people, as well as offering exhibition and creative spaces.
igloo Regeneration Development Manager Pippa Heron, said: “After decades of neglect, the workshop has undergone extensive remedial and remodelling work, and is now ready to take its rightful place as one of Newcastle’s most striking and creative workspaces.
“The Pattern Shop has not enjoyed the easiest journey back from the brink but we are absolutely delighted with the restoration and its final appearance.”
Knight Frank are letting agents for The Pattern Shop. Partner Patrick Matheson said: “You have to see The Pattern Shop to really appreciate the scale of the redevelopment that has taken place here. With impressive attention to detail and huge nods to its industrial past, it really is a unique building that has everything to offer businesses looking for an iconic and sustainable base in Newcastle.”
He added: “We are already receiving enquiries from interested parties and once the building is occupied, it will truly underline an important chapter of this regeneration success story.”
As well as offering a breathtaking location for businesses, The Pattern Shop also features impressive sustainability credentials with a BREEAM “Very Good” rating, alongside an EPC “B” Rating.
Situated between Hanover Street and Forth Street, The Pattern Shop sits on 4.3 acres of brownfield land within the Stephenson Quarter regeneration area behind the Central Station, and forms part of the ambitious £137 million Founders Place employment scheme. Once complete, Founders Place will offer circa 200,000 sq. ft of high-quality, planet-positive new-build office space. Longer term, there are plans for a new community of circa 80 zero-carbon homes, designed with urban living in mind amongst gardens, pathways and open spaces.
Throughout its redevelopment The Pattern Shop has also added real social value to the area with igloo Regeneration working with The Common Room charity, custodians of the neighbouring Neville Hall, historical home of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers since 1872. Once at the heart of Britain’s mining innovation it is now offered as a unique event venue and also home to one of the world’s largest mining engineering collections. igloo Regeneration’s commitment to supporting The Common Room longer term means the legacy of the Stephenson family’s contribution to Newcastle and the wider world of engineering lives on.
Image: Tim Bailey, Pippa Heron, Mike Henning, Lauren Dunbar, Andrew Fox (Credit: Barry Pells)
