"Inspiring, collaborative and sustainable" refurbishment plans revealed for central Newcastle

Plans have been revealed for the multi-million pound refurbishment of a former building society HQ in Newcastle.

Portland House, which was home to Newcastle Building Society for more than 25 years, is set to undergo a refurbishment as part of the East Pilgrim Street development framework.

The works, which are set to start in October, will deliver more than 60,000 sq ft of workspace across the building’s five floors and will create dozens of jobs.

Portland House, on the Blue Carpet opposite the Laing Art Gallery and City Library, was acquired earlier this year in an off-market deal brokered by BNP Paribas Real Estate.

Developer James Keegan commented: “We were attracted to redeveloping Portland House because it’s in a fantastic city centre location and a key piece of the East Pilgrim Street regeneration.

“We have an opportunity to open an exciting new chapter for the building, transforming it into an inspiring, collaborative and sustainable place to work. In short, a workplace fit for a post-Covid 21st century.”