Refurbishing the Civic Centre, Newcastle

Some 50 years after we first built the Civic Centre in Newcastle, we returned to complete refurbishment works.

Originally constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine in 1967, the Civic Centre is a Grade II* listed building in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Instructed under the Pagabo Framework, the refurbishment works began in 2018 and included the full removal of the existing internal office space back to the original structure in readiness for the fit out for HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

The works were carried out under the guidance of the Conservation and Heritage Officers to protect, preserve and enhance the unique architectural features that needed to be incorporated within the scheme.

Fifty years of cabling, ducting and pipework needed to be identified and replaced without cutting supplies to live services in other blocks. The courts had very stringent requirements such as room dimensions and acoustic ratings that had to be met.

The site remained live throughout the build. We had to keep the Council’s digital print facility operational in the basement while the works went on around it. Special zoning and routing gave us access without disrupting the council’s business operations. 

We worked closely with the council and the design team during the second stage to develop a design that truly worked. Rather than simply cutting quality to reduce costs, we offered well-considered and value-focused solutions (key elements being the internal partitions, and the building services) to deliver a facility that met all our collective aspirations, and which will be at the centre of the city for another 50 years.

Project summary

    • Client: Newcastle City Council
    • Sector: Commercial
    • Value: £20.5m
    • Region: North East
    • Services: Pre-Construction, McAlpine Design Group, Construction
    • Completion Date: 2019
Courtroom detail of refurbished courtroom at the Civic Centre
View Image
Close-up of the Civic Centre's historical facade, highlighting the unique architectural elements that are characteristic of its mid-20th century design.
View Image
Newly refurbished office spaces within the Civic Centre
View Image
The front entrance of Newcastle Civic Centre
View Image
Exterior view of the Civic Centre in Newcastle, showcasing its Grade II star listed status and distinctive architecture
View Image

Commercial projects

  1. Haymarket, Edinburgh

    Edinburgh’s iconic Haymarket site in the heart of the city centre is set to become the highest profile mixed-use development in Scotland.

    Sectors: Commercial, Retail
    Region: Scotland
    Read more
  2. The exterior of Ilona Rose House in London’s Soho district

    The construction of Ilona Rose House, London

    Digital construction, complex temporary works and sustainable cladding solutions were key in delivering the striking new Ilona Rose House development in London’s Soho district.

    Sectors: Commercial, Leisure
    Region: London
    Read more
  3. Luxury retail space within Quadrant 3 feature high ceiling and sophisticated Art Deco-inspired interior

    A celebration of quality in London's West End

    Completed four months early and under budget, Quadrant 3 was hailed as “outstanding” by client The Crown Estate.

    Sectors: Commercial
    Region: London
    Read more
View more
Tags
Newcastle
Our Projects
Refurbishment