‘Fascinating project’ is started

Apr 9 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

WORK has begun on the Fusion office on Forth Street close to Newcastle Central Station.

The 47,600sq ft of space by Buccleuch Property will take in a 19th Century Grade II listed chapel, with new development wrapped around the old.

Architects Ryder are behind the design of the offices which are arranged over four floors to the south and three to the north.

The scheme replaces an earlier version, which gained planning permission, put forward by Bill Hopper Architects.

The chapel  will be  opened up  internally with the intention that it should provide historical character for the new offices.

James Palmer, projects manager for Buccleuch said: “The layout is flexible and will work just as well for one user or subdivided for multiple businesses.”

Chris Allan, architect for the scheme said: “This has been a fascinating project and a real challenge. From Clavering Place, Fusion appears to be two very different and separate buildings.

“We consulted extensively with English Heritage and Newcastle Conservation Area Partnership before submitting the planning application.”

Landscape architects for the scheme, Waterman Envir- onmental, have specified reclaimed and natural materials where possible for the landscaping to retain and enhance the area’s original character, while at the same time offering a contemporary twist in the layout which includes discreet floor lighting.

The development is appropriately named Fusion and is being marketed by joint letting agents Sanderson Weatherall and GVA Lamb & Edge.