Newcastle Civic Centre Refurbishment
Desco designed the M&E services for the multi-million pound refurbishment of Newcastle’s Civic Centre which has become a hub for Government agencies in the North East. The ambitious revamp transformed the Civic Centre into an efficient and modern working environment, preserving the Grade II Listed Building whilst also creating attractive space to generate income.
A key part of the refurbishment brief was to create a more prominent public entrance and to resolve circulation and security issues without undermining the architectural integrity of the original building. The design solution was to use a frameless glass facade to enclose the ground floor colonnade. Internally built additions were removed to strip the space back to its original fabric and finishes. Office accommodation throughout was refurbished and reordered. A reduction in the amount of council office accommodation allows for the introduction of Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Services (HMCTS) as a tenant, generating £35m in income. The entrance arches now provide a new reception area featuring a public café, seating, and meeting pods which can be used for council services such as the administration of weddings, births, and bereavements. The pods are self-supporting, so minimising their impact on the existing building. The characteristic brick-faced arches have been lit, with all services delivered from the floor to avoid any ceiling mountings.
Retaining the listed building fabric was key to the refurbishment, which limited the works that could be done to the exterior to improve the building’s thermal performance instead, the design took a careful strip out and refit approach around the listed fabric, and operational carbon was addressed through a full refurbishment of the building services, including new mechanical ventilation and heating systems and efficient LED lighting systems. The flat roof was also utilised to install more sustainable technologies, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels and air source heat pumps. The refurbishment has reduced the centre’s energy consumption by 30% and improved its EPC rating from ‘G’ to ‘C’.
The low level servicing strategy within the colonnade area preserves the features of original design while providing a new comfortable, modern and occupant friendly internal space with stunning aesthetics. The Project has been successful in a number of industry recognised awards including Project of the Year for Public Sector Interiors at the Mixology awards and RIBA North East Project of the Year, as well as being shortlisted for a number of other awards.
Project
Newcastle Civic Centre Refurbishment
Location
Newcatsle, Tyne and Wear
Value
£22m