Full steam ahead at Stephenson Works

After being presented to the Newcastle City Council Planning Committee, plans for an iconic building from the city’s industrial revolution to be regenerated have been approved.

The Pattern Shop, which will be located behind Newcastle Central Station, was where the industrial pioneer Robert Stephenson built his famous steam locomotives in the 1800s.

The Grade II-listed building has stood abandoned since the 1960s, but now permission for the two-storey workshop to be transformed into an eco-friendly commercial centre for small- to medium-sized business in the creative and digital sectors has been approved.

Once completed, the workshop with provide 3,000 sq m of flexible working space for up to 300 people across the sector.

Situated between Sussex Street and South Street on the 4.3-acre brownfield Stephenson Quarter site, the Pattern Shop will mark the first development in the Stephenson Works LLP, a joint venture between Newcastle City Council and PfP igloo.

John Tatham, director at PfP igloo, said: “The Pattern Shop is one of the city’s stunning hidden gems and a great example of how working with Newcastle City Council, we can deliver a range of real benefits; the restoration of such an important part of Newcastle’s heritage; measures to reduce carbon and a unique space to attract businesses and create employment. Once occupied next year, it will really help to establish the historic heart of the site.”

Local contractor Tolent will soon be commencing the first phase of restoration works to the building and a number of specialist teams will carry out a series of works to bring the building back to use.

David Thompson, divisional managing director for Tolent, said: “This is a really interesting project for us, and we are delighted to be involved in such a unique development.

“Working on any site with listed building status requires a team that are experienced and highly skilled to carry on what can be quite a delicate sequence of work, so it’s great to see our team delivering this quality service for the council.”

Ged Bell, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for development, said: “It’s an incredibly important building from a historical point of view being at the forefront of the industrial revolution. Robert Stephenson fitted out engines there – 3,000 were shipped all over the world as far afield as America and Egypt putting Newcastle on the international map.

“I am delighted that the building will be brought back into use, hopefully to house new businesses that will put Newcastle on the map again for new hi-tech inventions and digital applications.”

Up to 300 people will occupy the low-carbon office building, which will boast views of the Tyne.”

The project will be fully completed in summer 2022. With the wider Stephenson Works LLP being delivered over a period of seven years.