£1 million-plus business hub revamp nears close

Seven-figure work to transform a banking base into a business hub is nearing completion.

North East Commercial is redeveloping The Doxford Works, in Sunderland.

Work has been carried out across a number of floors, with officials revealing they are “in negotiations with several companies” to move into the base.

The former Barclays site, on Doxford International Business Park, already counts Workprove, Procure Smart, Wates Construction, Routes Health Care, Kenect Recruitment, SGS Enforcement and KBL Advisory as tenants.

Building owner Andy Rothwell, who oversees property company North East Commercial, said: “When the building came up for auction, I knew it would be a huge project but one with massive potential.

“And that’s proven to be the case.

“We’re now developing the first floor and the levels of interest from businesses and organisations have exceeded our expectations.

“We’re in negotiations with several companies, and we think there’s a good chance they’ll all commit to space.”

Tech-based skills management firm Workprove announced its switch to The Doxford Works last month, saying it has “futureproofed further expansion” with “space to grow into” over coming years. 

Emma Antunes, head of marketing at Workprove, which recently rebranded from Moralbox, added: “They’re great offices with some brilliant shared spaces, and we’re right next to the A19 and on major bus routes too.”

North East Commercial also owns and manages Traynor Business Park, in Peterlee, East Durham, and a four-storey building at Hartlepool Marina.

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