Xsiting times as architects move into BohoZone

Mar 18 2008 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

ARCHITECTURE practice Xsite is to open an office in Middlesbrough, as it continues its work on the town’s DigitalCity initiative.

The Newcastle firm headed by principal Tim Bailey is opening adjacent to the DigitalCity site that is under construction in the new “creative quarter” of Middlesbrough known as the BoHo zone.

Xsite Architecture has designed a new office building which will form a key part of the development, helping regenerate the historic St Hilda’s and Exchange Square areas.

Groundworks started at the site recently when Margaret Fay, who chairs regional development agency One NorthEast, launched the project at a groundbreaking ceremony.

Xsite will occupy offices on the second floor of Python Properties’ Royal Middlehaven House, which is already hosting some of the creative industries destined to move into the BohoZone development.

Mr Bailey said: “We are delighted to have found office space that actually overlooks the BohoZone site, so that we can keep abreast of what is happening there, but we also have other work in Teesside, which has prompted the need for our presence here.

“There are four projects in the area, and our business is expanding from our Newcastle base, so this was the most natural progression. We expect to employ local people within the next six months. “

Xsite’s future work in the Tees Valley area includes an information point in Barnard Castle to explain the market town’s 20-year visioning scheme. Its plan is for a temporary mobile structure consisting of a rectangular glass box, with a metal frame.

THE £10m BoHo One building will be the flagship development at the heart of Middlesbrough’s BoHo zone.

The zone is being designated as a focus for digital and creative businesses to become established and flourish.

The new site will provide space for new digital and creative companies to grow, work with each other and do business.

It is expected the 3,200sq m building will be completed in 18 months.

Xsite Architecture has produced the environmentally friendly, energy efficient building. It will emit very low levels of carbon dioxide. The building has also been designed to use space efficiently.

Margaret Fay said: “I am delighted work is starting on this exciting element of BoHo, a key strand of DigitalCity which is firmly placing the Tees Valley on the creative map.

“BoHo will offer a fostering approach for those who have gained their qualifications, by providing a community facility to help their businesses grow and prosper.

“Not only will it deliver a major boost to the local economy, it will also complement the redevelopment of Middlehaven - a project which itself is rejuvenating the Tees Valley.”