Gateshead Council has announced the first new tenants that will move into its Riga building in early 2020 only 6 months after breaking ground on the 50,000 sq ft Grade-A office development in Gateshead.
Sumo Group plc has agreed to lease the top two floors, extending to 16,500 sq ft, to house the local studios of its Sumo Digital and Atomhawk businesses.
Riga, a new £13m workspace designed by Ryder Architecture, is part of the Baltic Quarter site located next to the iconic Gateshead Quays. It will be the first Grade-A office building delivered to the Gateshead Quays area for around 10 years.
Conceived in response to demand for more high-quality workspace in Gateshead, Riga will provide Grade-A offices designed to support the growth of companies in the region. The building contributes to Gateshead Council’s wider ambition to establish the Baltic Quarter as the new ‘innovation district’ in Newcastle Gateshead’s Urban Core.
Rising to a height of six storeys, and in a prominent position above Gateshead Quays, Riga’s distinct glass façade offers panoramic views across the Tyne, considered to be one of the best views in the region. Internally, the loft-like spaces will have a light and airy feel, using exposed materials such as aluminium and steel, and efficient floor plates – letting occupiers personalise their interior design.
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: This is really encouraging. Riga doesn’t complete until February 2020 and already we have two floors committed. It demonstrates a confidence in Baltic Quarter and that companies can grow here.
“Atomhawk made Gateshead their home back in July 2009, and they have continued to thrive and grow. They started off as a team of three in Greenesfield Business Centre then expanded to larger premises in Northern Design Centre. It’s apt that the company’s next chapter, alongside Sumo Digital, who moved into the Northern Design Centre last year, comes at a milestone moment in time for us, as we embark on the next phase of development at Baltic Quarter and Gateshead Quays.
We’d like to thank Sumo and Atomhawk for helping to make the Baltic Quarter community what it is and we’re looking forward to seeing them settle into their new home in less than a years’ time.
Tim Wilson, MD Atomhawk said “Gateshead and the Quays are integral to Atomhawk’s success story, having supported our growth from day one. We’re looking forward to moving into the Riga building where we can continue to supply cutting-edge art services to our clients in the video games, movie and television industries.”
“The new building really symbolizes the innovative spirit and success of Gateshead and the Quays,” added Owen O’Brien, Studio Director, Sumo Digital. “We need to be in an office and location that will support Sumo’s continued growth as an employer in the region. The Riga building and the Quays is the perfect place to make that happen.”
Aidan Baker, Director at BNP Paribas Real Estate, commented: “Gateshead Council’s decision to deliver space at a time when the private sector has been unable to progress schemes has proven the pent-up demand that exists for high-quality office space on Gateshead Quays. The location is ideal for enterprising businesses looking to be at the heart of what is expected to be the new ‘innovation district’ and with the lettings to Sumo and Atomhawk we are confident that we will be announcing further lettings soon continuing to build on the successful mix of high-quality occupiers at Gateshead Quays.”
The remaining space in the building is being offered for lease by BNP Paribas Real Estate and can accommodate requirements from 4,951 sq ft up to 30,000 sq ft and will complete in February 2020.
Gavin Black and Partners acted on behalf of Sumo Group plc.