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Toffee Factory welcomes new residents

The newly revamped Toffee Factory in Newcastle welcomed its first tenants last week, following a £6m makeover that has made it a regional creative business hub.

The former Maynards Toffee Factory, at the southern end of the Ouseburn Valley has been transformed over the last year by Sunderland firm Brims Construction.

Seven firms moved into the building, which is now owned by Newcastle City Council, after the decision to axe 1NG, the organisation which commissioned the scheme.

Coun Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The successful redevelopment of the Toffee Factory will enhance the city’s growing international reputation as a centre for cultural and creative industries, help to grow the knowledge economy and create much need employment opportunities.

“It is another important step in the wider regeneration of the Ouseburn Valley which will support small businesses and put us at the forefront of innovation in the design and digital sectors.

“The conversion work undertaken by Brims is of the highest quality, and we are delighted to see it has been brought in on time and to budget.”

The redevelopment has created around 15,000 sq ft of new office space in the Victorian building, which had stood derelict for some 20 years.

Now it will host businesses in the cultural and creative sectors and Creative Space Management, the buildings agents, say more will move in early next year.

Richard Wood, director of Sunderland-based Brims Construction, said: “The project involved the complete upgrade, refurbishment and remodelling of what had become a completely derelict building.

“Following a delicate demolition process the existing brickwork structure has been repaired and reinforced with a new structural steel frame before a new floor was constructed on the south wing of the building fronting the Glasshouse bridge.

“Contemporary office space has been created in the remodelled building shell with a full fit out of the interior of the building.

“XSite architecture came up with some imaginative ideas to enclose the building in different coloured cladding and glazing and the finished building is complemented by an extensive new landscaping scheme that is perched on the edge of the river at the lower end of the Ouseburn valley.”

The Toffee Factory forms part of a substantial regeneration project at the southern end of the Ouseburn, with the council earmarking further office, residential and leisure development in the area.

Take-up of the office space has surpassed expectations, as Creative Space Management originally anticipated 10% occupation at this stage, and 40% is now let.

Lisa Tolan, centre manager of Toffee Factory, said: “We’ve been involved in the plans and specifications for Toffee Factory since the very beginning and always expected it to become a landmark building for the creative industries that would attract national profile for the companies based there.

“In the end it has turned out to be better than we had ever imagined. It’s a testament to the brilliant design team and the assiduous attention to detail shown by the contractors, Brims.

“When we got the keys and took the first clients around we were bowled over by the combination of sensitive refurbishment and adventurous modern finishes.”

New tenants include communications firm Hedley McEwan, digital agency Multiminded, media designers Ambit Creatives, communications agency Keltie Cochrane, Dannielle Dunn Creative Agency, and Pod Architects.

Once complete, the building will house around 24 businesses, providing work for over 150 people.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .