Historic England funds next stage of Founders Place works
Igloo will begin developing proposals for the Coppersmiths Shop, a derelict historic building that sits within the wider mixed-use regeneration scheme next to Newcastle Railway Station.
Igloo has appointed Newcastle-based Mosedale Gillatt Architects to undertake surveys and technical studies at the grade two-listed property, which has stood empty for decades.
The work will explore how the building could be brought back into viable use as part of the wider Founders Place project being delivered in partnership with Newcastle City Council in the city’s historic Stephenson Quarter.
Funded through a repair grant for Heritage at Risk, £65,000 will enable igloo to better understand the building’s condition and constraints, before deciding on its future purpose.
One of the last remaining undeveloped historic structures within the development, the Coppersmiths Shop is located between Hanover Street and South Street, and is well placed to play a part in reconnecting different parts of the emerging community.
Dating from the early 19th century, the building formed part of the pioneering Robert Stephenson & Co. Works, widely recognised as the world’s first purpose-built locomotive factory.
It includes the original offices of Robert and George Stephenson, placing it at the centre of a site of international importance in the history of engineering and industry.
Elsewhere at Founders Place, the fully renovated 32,000 sq ft Pattern Shop is now home to Atom Bank, and plans for the residential part at Orchard Yard are being finalised ahead of submission to the council.
The site will also eventually house One Founders Place, a grade A office building.
Insiyah Khushnood, development director at igloo said: “Securing this support from Historic England is an important step in helping us to establish the role of the Coppersmiths Shop as part of Founders Place.
“As one of the most historically significant structures within the area, it’s vital that we take the time to properly understand its condition and constraints before moving forward.
“A specialist team of architects and heritage experts will now begin the methodical investigative work on the Coppersmiths Shop.”
Jules Brown, historic places adviser, North, for Historic England, said: “We’re excited about the chance to uncover the history of this fascinating and very important building from the crucible days of our railway heritage.
“Its survival from Stephenson’s locomotive factory – the world’s first – offers a rare and tangible connection to a pivotal moment in industrial and engineering history. We’re also excited about working with igloo to unlock a positive future for the building by grant-aiding Newcastle City Council.
“We’re committed to supporting imaginative uses for vacant historic buildings with potential such as this one.
“Our grant is a vital first step to reveal a detailed understanding of it, creating the best chance of moving quickly towards a sensitive long-term conservation and reuse solution.”
