Plans have been submitted for a landmark office development at Newcastle’s £70 million One Founders Place regeneration scheme, marking the next major phase in the transformation of one of the city’s most historic industrial sites.
Submitted by Founders Place LLP, a joint venture between igloo and Newcastle City Council, the proposals centre on a striking 12-storey, 185,000 sq ft Grade A office building designed by acclaimed architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM).
The development is intended to deliver high-quality, sustainable workspace while creating a vibrant mixed-use destination that blends modern commercial accommodation with new public realm and heritage-led regeneration.
A key feature of the proposals is Founders Square, one of Newcastle’s most significant new civic spaces. The landscaped public square will transform an area currently lacking a major public gathering place, helping to create a welcoming environment for workers, residents and visitors while strengthening links across the wider city centre.
For the construction and commercial property sectors, the scheme represents another significant investment in Newcastle’s office market, responding to growing demand for high-quality, environmentally sustainable workplaces capable of attracting businesses and supporting long-term economic growth.
Construction of the office building is expected to support around 300 jobs over the two-year build programme, providing a further boost to the regional construction industry and local supply chain.
The latest proposals build on the success of the wider One Founders Place masterplan, which is steadily transforming the historic Robert Stephenson & Co. locomotive works into a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood.
The first completed phase, The Pattern Shop, opened in 2024 and is now fully occupied by Atom Bank, demonstrating strong demand for premium workspace within the regeneration scheme.
Alongside the commercial development, Orchard Yard will deliver 79 new homes comprising apartments, duplexes and family houses, complemented by commercial space within the restored listed Machine Shop and Smiths Shop buildings.
Elsewhere on the site, the Grade II-listed Coppersmiths Shop, another important part of the former Robert Stephenson works, is currently being assessed for future redevelopment opportunities as the masterplan continues to evolve.
Joe Broadley, Development Director at igloo, said: “One Founders Place is about much more than delivering a high-quality office scheme – it’s about creating a destination that reflects Newcastle’s rich industrial heritage while providing the sustainable workplaces and welcoming public spaces that modern cities need to thrive.
“This investment is helping to attract new businesses, support skilled jobs and create a bustling city neighbourhood where people want to work, meet and spend time. By combining exceptional workspace with high-quality public realm, we’re creating a place that will contribute to Newcastle’s long-term economic growth while celebrating the history that makes this location so distinctive.”
As Newcastle continues to invest in city centre regeneration, One Founders Place is emerging as a flagship mixed-use development, combining commercial offices, residential accommodation, heritage restoration and public spaces to create a dynamic new destination that celebrates the city’s industrial legacy while supporting its future growth.
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