An historic North East building that set the scene for an Oscar-winning drama, is being transformed into modern office space to welcome new tenants.
Commercial property developer, UK Land Estates, is breathing new life into St George’s House, which sits at the heart of Team Valley, one of the UK’s largest trading estates.
The firm acquired the property, famously referenced in “The King’s Speech”, last summer and is investing £3m to renovate the two-storey 23,634sqft office building to create a leading-edge business space, while retaining the character of the original design.
Built in 1937, the striking showpiece property overlooks Kingsway North and South, with St George’s House’s unique structure perfectly matching the curve in the road.
David Gibbs, UK Land Estates commercial director, said: “St George’s House is one of the Team Valley’s crown jewels and renovating and updating it is such an interesting journey. We are working with In-Architecture and Simon Grundy to develop exciting plans for the building and it’s exciting to see them come to fruition, as we unearth a wealth of original features and quirky period design elements.
“As owners and operators of Team Valley, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to purchase this building when it came on the market, and it’s no surprise to see so much interest in it. It’s important that the original charm and integrity of the building is being retained, while also creating a modern, accessible space that’s attractive to tenants and flexible enough to meet their requirements.”
One of the first buildings to be built on Team Valley, St George’s House was officially opened by King George VI, played in an Oscar-winning performance by actor Colin Firth, who is seen opening a copy of the building at the beginning of the film.
Over 700 businesses, employing more than 20,000 people are based on Team Valley Trading Estate, which was established in 1936 as a response to soaring unemployment.
Patrick Matheson, partner at Knight Frank, joint-marketing agent for St George’s House, said: “It is so rare for a building, with such character and historic significance, to come on the market. It offers firms the opportunity to create a genuine statement HQ building.
“The flight to quality is the overarching trend in the market post pandemic – the refurbishment of St George’s will provide inspiring workspace to meet this demand.”
Jessica Ross, associate partner, Naylors Gavin Black, which is also marketing the property, said: “Staff recruitment and retention is a real challenge most businesses face. St George’s will provide quality space for collaboration and wellbeing, both key concerns for progressive employers looking to retain and attract staff.
“Similarly, sustainability is another motivator for occupiers, and again St George’s will offer highly sustainable offices, suitable for modern working life.”
Close to cafes, shops, a hotel, supermarket and gym, Team Valley is a five-minute car journey from Newcastle city centre and just a short hop to Newcastle International Airport, boasting excellent public transport links and parking.
In addition to the main St George’s House office complex, UK Land Estates also acquired four adjoining units of between 1,127 sq ft and 3,734 sq ft as part of the deal, which are also being refurbished to provide modern self-contained offices.
For more information on UK Land Estates, visit: www.uklandestates.co.uk