Regeneration specialist Priority Sites has started work on an office scheme designed to appeal to the growing number of media and creative businesses that are gravitating into the Ouseburn Valley, an area east of Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s city centre. 

The 25,000 sq ft speculative office development, The Media Exchange, marks a £5.2 million investment by Priority Sites. The developer is working in conjunction with Newcastle City Council as part of a plan to further transform the Ouseburn Valley – a long established industrial area that was made famous by its appearance in the opening credits of the 70’s sitcom ‘Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads’.

Now with the Ouseburn’s media connection living on through the stronghold being carved out by SME businesses in the creative and IT sectors, Priority Sites is set to deliver nine office suites within Upper Steenbergs Yard that range in size from 1,785 sq ft through to 3,560 sq ft.

The developer has appointed Hall Construction and the scheme, which will create or safeguard around 83 jobs once fully occupied, is scheduled to be completed in December 2008.

The Media Exchange development has been carefully designed to blend in with the area’s architectural heritage that includes a wealth of listed warehouse buildings, while providing contemporary office space.

Priority Sites projects director Amanda Oliver explains: “Demand in the Ouseburn Valley is being driven by the creative industries and particularly with residential and leisure schemes being delivered nearby the area is supporting an extremely vibrant and sustainable community.

“The Media Exchange will help sustain this community by providing a great 21^st century working environment while at the same time creating one of the Ouseburn’s future historical landmarks in a similar way that the 19^th century warehouses have become part of today’s heritage.”

Councillor Mike Cookson, executive member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport for Newcastle City Council, said: "We have been working with the developer, Priority Sites, for some time on this project.  We are very much in favour of it and look forward to it coming to fruition."

Please click here to go back

Please click here to read the full case study.