SYSTRA signals Newcastle ambitions

With recent and current work including the IAMP gigafactory, the Tyne Bridge restoration and a study for the Tyne & Wear Metro, the consultancy has opened an office at Portland House.

The listed office complex, formerly home to Newcastle Building Society, has secured a string of deals since its redevelopment, with a standout being the 20,000 sq ft taken by coworking operator Wizu.

SYSTRA has now moved into 2,480 sq ft at Portland House.

Across the firm’s disciplines of transport planning, engineering and infrastructure consultancy, several team members will work from the space for clients including Tees Valley Combined Authority and South Tees Development Corporation, Transport for the North East, Associated British Ports and National Highways.

SYSTRA is currently providing development planning advice for the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, between South Tyneside and Sunderland, which will be home to the UK’s first gigafactory, and is on the National Highways spatial planning framework for the North East and Yorkshire & Humber.

Nick Salt, chief executive of SYSTRA, said: “We are thrilled to move to Portland House in Newcastle, a superb modern space where we will develop and grow the business by delivering sustainable infrastructure and creating places that thrive right across the north east.”

Sebastien Dupont, managing director (consultancy) for the firm, added: “Our colleagues are delighted with the new space in Newcastle. It offers a modern way of working with facilities that reflect our brand and the local area, has great access and transport links, and cements our presence in this vibrant city.

“We are all looking forward to growing our portfolio of work in the north east and continuing to support our clients on complex sustainable infrastructure projects in the UK, Ireland and around the world.”

Last year SYSTRA undertook a major study for Nexus on the social value of the Tyne & Wear Metro, while the team also supported Newcastle City Council’s successful funding bid for works on the Tyne Bridge and adjacent Newcastle Central Motorway. The firm has also worked on the Humber International Enterprise Park.

Co-developer Oliver Holland said Portland House is now 90% let.

He said: “SYSTRA is a great addition to Portland House and is the ideal platform to grow their north east operations in the coming years. We are seeing a lot of interest from other organisations keen to invest in high-quality, easily accessible and sustainable workspace, which meets the demands of modern hybrid working.”