The Pioneer launches in Newcastle

Stephenson Works LLP, the joint venture between Newcastle City Council and PfP-igloo that was formed to complete the phase 2 development at Stephenson Quarter, has today officially launched The Pioneer.

The 100,000 sq ft office landmark development was designed for people and the planet by RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architectural practice, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. Situated adjacent to Newcastle Central Station, The Pioneer is a bold BREEAM ‘Excellent’ design, technologically advanced and one of several climate-positive buildings planned for this area, which is steeped in heritage.

PfP igloo was chosen as the developer due to its long-term holistic approach to placemaking that generates positive change in communities, reduces the impact on the planet, and ultimately unleashes value to deliver impact in places with future potential.

With local and national agents Knight Frank appointed, a pre-let partner that shares the values and ambition of the development team is now being sought. Fittingly, The Pioneer will be located on the site of George and Robert Stephenson’s first purpose-built locomotive factory. Commanding a prominent position at the gateway of Newcastle’s historic city centre site, The Pioneer is flexibly designed to suit forward-thinking businesses. Occupants will benefit from features including a double-height reception space, outdoor terraces to every floor and a spectacular rooftop terrace with 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the River Tyne.

The Pioneer represents a game-changing architectural design for potential occupiers who can now view floor plans and design details at www.thepioneernewcastle.co.uk with all enquiries to Knight Frank.

The ten-storey building will offer exceptional indoor and outdoor workspace that can adapt to accommodate changing, more agile working practices. Designed to promote the well-being of its occupants and commanding such a prominent location, visible to all that visit or pass through the city, The Pioneer will appeal to a corporate occupier looking for an exemplary new headquarters.

Peter Connolly, chief executive at igloo, said:

“As a ‘healthy’ building, The Pioneer has many values from a design and investment perspective that not only hit environmental, social and governance targets but that also serve to attract and retain the best talent. The design has a core focus on wellbeing, maximising natural light and providing access to outdoor terrace spaces on every floor, as well as the flexibility to have a café and other active, sociable and greened spaces at ground and rooftop levels.”

Patrick Matheson, Partner at Knight Frank, said: 

“The Pioneer is launching at a pivotal time in the Newcastle office market. There is a very limited supply pipeline of new offices coming forward from 2024 onwards and, at the same time, a clear demand from occupiers for more sustainable, best in class offices.  The Pioneer is well placed for any occupier seeking large scale office space in one of the most dynamic locations in Central Newcastle.” 

The Pioneer will be complemented by new public spaces around the site for the growing community of businesses, workers, visitors and students to enjoy. Located beside the city’s central railway station, within 5 minutes’ walk from the Metro light railway network, The Pioneer is a few minutes’ walk to the city's acclaimed cultural life and Newcastle's iconic Quayside.

Newcastle City Council’s Director of Place, Michelle Percy, said: “The Stephenson Quarter is one of the most attractive sites in Newcastle which the council and our development partner PfP igloo are looking to regenerate. We are keen to gauge demand for a showpiece 10-storey office block on the site that will offer high quality office space with panoramic views of the city.
 
“It will be ideal for a corporate partner in the market for an impressive headquarters with excellent connectivity just behind the Central Station and a five-minute walk from the Metro.
 
“With its rich heritage and Accelerated Development Zone status the Stephenson Quarter will become a major employment site creating good quality jobs of the future. The Pioneer will take it to the next level.”

Paul Monaghan, Executive Director of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris said: 
“The heritage site for The Pioneer gave us an incredible legacy of historic buildings to respond to and we’ve reflected some of those elements, such as the brick railway arches, into the design which will create a striking addition to the skyline and a beacon on arrival by train into the city.”

“Business leaders increasingly want something different in their workplaces and offices now need to be better than they ever were. We are bringing to Newcastle the latest sustainable elements and we hope that The Pioneer will become a new home for a new generation of innovators that perhaps share some of the entrepreneurial spirit of the Stephenson family that came before.”

Office workspace already thriving in the district include Central Square, with its neighbouring hospitality businesses, including 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. The redevelopment of the iconic Pattern Shop is due for completion this year.