Newcastle city centre buildings unveiled after over 20 years following refurbishment

Visitors to the southern end of Pilgrim Street will have noticed that the scaffolding which has hidden Worswick Chambers for more than two decades has been removed as repairs to the roofs and elevations near completion.

The listed buildings, comprising Worswick Chambers and 93 -101 Pilgrim Street, are being fully refurbished by Taras Properties and in due course the repurposed buildings will become a leisure complex operated by Anson House, when completed in late 2024.

Worswick Chambers was built as a part of the ‘newcut’ of Worswick Street in two phases back in 1891 and 1898, although the adjoining buildings of 93 to 101 Pilgrim Street predate this.

Worswick Chambers is adorned with ‘curious’ stone sculptures on both the Worswick Street and Pilgrim Street elevations at second floor level. The carved heads were created by the local stonemason, John Rogers, and are reported to be based on individuals from his family’s photograph album.

Alexandra Blaylock of Ryder Architecture commented: “It’s fantastic to see the scaffolding come down on the Worswick Chamber’s façade, which has been covered for over 20 years. Walking along the street we’ve noticed other passersby are looking up and commenting on its reveal which is a reminder of the positive impact we are having on the city fabric.”

Neil Mandle, Director, Avison Young who is project managing the scheme, added: “The repair and conversion of listed buildings presents challenges, but they are a valuable part of the townscape, so it’s always rewarding to see them restored and brought back into use”

The buildings sit adjacent to the new Bank House office block within Pilgrim Place comprising the southern block of the extensive Pilgrim Street regeneration area. The adjoining fire station site is being converted into a niche hotel.

Pilgrim’s Quarter, (the northern block) will be the new home for 9,000 HMRC employees bringing new footfall which will positively stimulate the economy within the city centre.

The team working on the Worswick Chambers project includes Ryder Architecture, Avison Young, SHED Engineers and OOBE Landscape architects. The contractor is Bowmer and Kirkland.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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