Robertson Construction North East has successfully completed a five-month, £1.85 million refurbishment of the Baltic Works office building in Gateshead, commissioned by South Shore Developments. This strategic refurbishment introduces state-of-the-art facilities aimed at enhancing employee wellbeing and the overall occupier experience, positioning the building as a premier office location in the region.
What Happened
The refurbishment project at Baltic Works, formerly known as Baltic Place, involved extensive upgrades to the 131,000 square foot Grade A office building. Robertson's North East division, conveniently based in the same building, spearheaded the project, with the company founder Sir Bill Robertson playing a pivotal role as a director of South Shore Developments.
Key improvements include the installation of a 24/7 gym and changing rooms, a revitalized landscaped courtyard with new seating and planting, and the addition of high-speed broadband. Other enhancements feature parcel lockers, a self-serve micro market, and a modern business lounge designed to promote collaboration and flexible working. The building now boasts team-working areas and private meeting pods, offering alternative spaces for users throughout the day. The reception area has also been modernized with contemporary finishes and energy-efficient lighting, contributing to the building’s BREEAM Excellent rating. Furthermore, EV charging points have been installed in both the surface and basement car parks, available around the clock for occupiers.
Baltic Works is located within walking distance of Newcastle City Centre and currently houses prominent tenants such as Santander, Northern Gas & Power, and insurance brokers Gallagher and Lockton. With further space available, it offers businesses flexible Grade A office accommodation in a wellbeing-focused environment.
What This Means for Your Business
This refurbishment signals a growing trend towards enhancing office spaces to prioritize employee wellbeing and sustainability—key factors in attracting and retaining talent. For companies in the AECM sector, this project underscores the importance of incorporating modern amenities and sustainable practices into design and construction to meet evolving client demands. The focus on wellbeing and flexible working environments is likely to set a benchmark for future office developments, offering insights into competitive positioning for contractors and developers.
Additionally, the BREEAM Excellent rating highlights the increasing importance of sustainability certifications in the industry, which can enhance a building's marketability and potential ROI. Companies involved in similar refurbishment projects might consider integrating energy-efficient technologies and sustainable design elements to achieve similar accolades.
What US Operators Should Watch
As the US market continues to evolve, decision-makers should monitor emerging trends in office space design that emphasize employee wellbeing and sustainability. The shift towards flexible workspaces, coupled with the demand for sustainable certifications like BREEAM, could influence future federal and commercial procurement requirements. Keeping an eye on these trends can help operators anticipate changes in compliance standards and align their offerings with market expectations.
Moreover, as EV charging infrastructure becomes more prevalent, businesses should explore opportunities to incorporate these facilities into new and existing projects to meet the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions.
Source: https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/robertson-completes-gateshead-office-refurb. Read the original story ->
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