New tenants revealed for Gateshead Quay's biggest office development in 10 years

Gateshead Council has revealed the first tenants moving into its Riga building in early 2020.

This is six months after development has been made on the 50,000 sq ft Grade A office space. Sumo Group plc has agreed to lease the top two floors, extending to 16,500 sq ft.

Riga is a new £13m workspace, which has been designed by Ryder Architecture. It is part of the Baltic Quarter site, located next to Gateshead Quays. It is said to be the first Grade A office building in the areas for a decade.

Cllr Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “This is really encouraging. Riga doesn’t complete until February 2020 and already we have two floors committed. It demonstrates a confidence in Baltic Quarter and that companies can grow here.

“Atomhawk made Gateshead their home back in July 2009, and they have continued to thrive and grow. They started off as a team of three in Greenesfield Business Centre then expanded to larger premises in Northern Design Centre.

“It’s apt that the company’s next chapter, alongside Sumo Digital, who moved into the Northern Design Centre last year, comes at a milestone moment in time for us, as we embark on the next phase of development at Baltic Quarter and Gateshead Quays.”

Conceived in response to demand for more high-quality workspace in Gateshead, Riga will provide Grade A offices designed to support the growth of companies in the region.

Aidan Baker, director at BNP Paribas Real Estate, added: “Gateshead Council’s decision to deliver space at a time when the private sector has been unable to progress schemes has proven the demand that exists for high-quality office space on Gateshead Quays.

“The location is ideal for enterprising businesses looking to be at the heart of what is expected to be the new ‘innovation district’ and with the lettings to Sumo and Atomhawk, we are confident that we will be announcing further lettings soon continuing to build on the successful mix of high-quality occupiers at Gateshead Quays.”

The remaining space in the building is being offered for lease by BNP Paribas Real Estate and can accommodate requirements from 4,951 sq ft up to 30,000 sq ft and will complete in February 2020.

Gavin Black and Partners acted on behalf of Sumo Group plc.