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Monday 2 Mar 2015

Historic rail structure becomes home to new business

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A row of historic stone arches that carry trains through Gateshead have been transformed into high quality business spaces.

The development, which is a partnership between Network Rail, Gateshead Council and the Railway Heritage Trust, has created a new business area as well as improving connections between central Gateshead and Gateshead Quays.

The arches on Brandling Street, named after a family that played a major role in bringing rail services to Gateshead, are to be officially opened on March 5.

Mark Tarry, area director for Network Rail, said: “This project is breathing new life into a previously under-used part of Gateshead. More than 7,000 square feet of new business space has been created which is bringing jobs to the area and helping to support the local economy. Three of the units are already let with serious interest in the others. We have created modern facilities which complement other developments in the area such as Central Bar, the shops on High Level Parade and the high quality conversion of the arch at 1 High Street, across the road from Hymers Court.”

Mayor of Gateshead, Cllr Neil Weatherley, added: “This is a really exciting project that has transformed a historic structure in the heart of Gateshead. It’s also a key part of the regeneration of central Gateshead and helps to link developments such as Trinity Square with the likes of Sage Gateshead, BALTIC and Gateshead College.

“The arches will provide a new option for businesses looking to expand in the area with great accommodation in a prominent location. Coupled with other work in the area they’re creating a distinctive business community within walking distance of an array of facilities.”

The £917,000 investment was completed by Network Rail with financial contribution from the council and Railway Heritage Trust.

Andy Savage from Railway Heritage Trust added: “'We are delighted to have been able to sponsor a further set of arch restorations in the North East. These projects ensure a commercial use for heritage structures, create employment opportunities, and improve the environment around railway arches. We look forward to sponsoring further schemes in due course.”

Each of the arches now features:

Fully glazed frontages with double doors onto both Hymers Court and Brandling Street
DDA compliance with toilet facilities
Full lining, brand new lighting and electrical equipment
BT Broadband connections
Highly visible location
Digby Nicklin, Director of Commercial Estate at Network Rail said: “Network Rail is one of the largest landlords of small businesses in the country. Investments such as this show how we can work with local communities to improve our properties to provide high quality workspace for small and medium businesses to benefit the local economy, community and rail users. We are supporting the continuing regeneration of old Gateshead whilst also creating new income – all of which will be invested directly back into improving the railway.

All of the tenants who were in the arches before the redevelopment have been relocated and are understood to be trading well from their new premises on Hawks Road, not far from Brandling Street.

Notes to editors

The Mayor and Mayoress of Gateshead will formally open the arches on Thursday 5 March between 1600 and 1800 at 1-8 Hymers Court (Brandling Street), off Quayside, Gateshead, NE8 2BA.