Member Article

Architect shows caring side

Award winning architectural practice, xsite architecture (xsite), has helped refit a new building for local charity, Newcastle Carers.

It has involved the refurbishment of an existing three-storey building on Newcastle’s Shields Road for the charity, which aims to enhance the quality of life for unpaid carers across Newcastle.

The space was re-modelled to create room for more activities and events and, as well as the revamp, xsite also worked collectively with Jump Creative, a North East web and graphic design company, to re-brand ‘Newcastle Carers’, producing graphics and signs for internal and external use in the building.

Speaking about the refit, xsite’s partner, Tim Bailey, said:

“It has been a pleasure to get involved with this community enhancing project. On this occasion, we came up with some cost effective solutions to remodel the space and create an interior design to complement the ‘Newcastle Carers’ branding. It gives us a real sense of satisfaction knowing that our input is going to make a great difference to the charity, enabling them to develop and enhance their services in the future to help more carers.”

Newcastle Carers’ chief executive, Katie Dodd, said:

“Making the move into larger premises has allowed the charity to improve and expand its much needed services.

“After receiving a grant from the People’s Postcode Trust to help towards the move, we worked with xsite on a small budget. Taking on board feedback from carers, Tim worked with us to design a suitable centre to meet their needs. Not everyone understands how charities work or the pressures and demands they face, however, Tim really understood our vision for the future.

“It was a true delight to work with xsite, and the advice they gave us helped ensure that our vision for the future became reality.”

The move coincided with the charity’s 10th anniversary this year, and it will greatly assist in reducing overheads and protecting front line services.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leigh Chelton .