The Winners North East
rics.org/neawards
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Contents Director’s welcome 4 Winners’ overview 5 Building Conservation
6–7
Commercial
10–11
Community Benefit
12–13
Design through Innovation
14–15
Infrastructure
18–19
Regeneration
20–21
Residential
22–23
Tourism & Leisure
24–25
Project of the Year
28–29
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Director’s introduction Every year the calibre and number of entries in to the awards continue to astound me and this year was no different. The shortlisted projects highlighted the varied range of disciplines within our profession as well as how this work impacts on our local communities. The talent of our region’s professionals is amazing and I would like to thank all those behind the RICS Awards 2018, North East shortlisted projects who took the time to enter and showcase their stunning work. The work, expertise and professionalism of chartered surveyors ensures the best projects and value for end users and communities.
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Our judging panel found shortlisting and deciding upon the eight category winners particularly tough, not to mention which entry would take home the accolade of Project of the Year 2018, North East. Congratulations to Hitachi Rail Europe, Darlington who took home this year’s award. Thanks must go to the judges for taking time out of their busy schedule to visit and assess each project to find our worthy winners. A big thank you also to all our sponsors who made the ceremony such a wonderful occasion. All category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the RICS Awards 2018 Grand Final in November, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category and vie for the much-coveted Project of the Year award. I wish them all the very best in representing the North East and showing the world just what RICS professionals within our region can accomplish.
Victoria Hampson RICS Regional Director North & Midlands
Sponsor the RICS Awards 2019, North East Sponsorship is an excellent way of raising your organisation’s profile. Sponsor the RICS Awards 2019, North East and align your brand with the world’s leading professional body in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. For further information please contact the Regional Account Manager – Tamsin Livermore t +44(0) 7791700083 or e tlivermore@rics.org
Winners’ overview Once again the RICS Awards 2018, North East was an outstanding and inspiring evening. The awards continue to attract pioneering entries from all over the region and this year was no exception.
Sponsors and supporters of the RICS Awards 2018, North East Headline sponsors
Across the following pages you will see many examples of the exceptional talent and vision which make the North East a fantastic place to live, work and, of course, visit. The eight category winners – Building Conservation, Commercial, Community Benefit, Design through Innovation, Infrastructure, Regeneration, Residential and Tourism & Leisure – will now progress to the RICS Awards 2018 Grand Final in November to be held at The Brewery, London. The full list of winning projects is:
Category sponsors
Building Conservation
Infrastructure
Winner The Boiler House, Newcastle upon Tyne
Winner Killingworth & Longbenton Surface Water Management Scheme, Newcastle upon Tyne
Highly Commended Armstrong Building, Newcastle upon Tyne
Commercial Winner Wylam Brewery, Newcastle upon Tyne Highly Commended Earl Grey House, Newcastle upon Tyne
Community Benefit Winner Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, Morpeth Highly Commended The People’s Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Design through Innovation Winner Urban Sciences Building, Newcastle upon Tyne Highly Commended Mitford Adult Autism Inpatient Unit, Morpeth
Highly Commended No1 Quay Reconstruction & Dredging, Middlesbrough
Regeneration Winner Hitachi Rail Europe, Darlington Highly Commended Byker Hobby Rooms, Newcastle upon Tyne
Residential Winner The Maltings, Northumberland Highly Commended Maple Lodge, Ponteland
Tourism & Leisure Winner Wylam Brewery, Newcastle upon Tyne Highly Commended The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, Hexham
Inspiring winners The RICS Awards 2017 were full of spectacular projects – here are some Project of the Year winners:
Kelvin Hall Refurbishment, Glasgow, Scotland
CUBRIC (Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre), Wales
The GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry, Nottingham, East Midlands
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Building Conservation
This award honours excellent work in the conservation of a single bui renovation or conversion to a new or original use.
Winner The Boiler House, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor:
Howarth Litchfield Partnership Architect: Howarth Litchfield Partnership Developer/Contractor: PF Burridge & Sons Ltd Owner/Client: Newcastle University Nominated by: Howarth Litchfield Partnership The Main Boiler House was built in 1923 and holds a strategic position on the campus of Newcastle University adjoining the Student Union, the main facade of the Armstrong Building and addresses the Student Forum. Recent refurbishment works undertaken between January 2017 to October 2017 have converted the redundant half of the building into a large multi-purpose events space that can be used by the University for congregation receptions, exhibitions, social events and musical performances.
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ilding or structure or a group of buildings or structures and covers
The judges said This project definitely has the WOW factor which is hugely significant given its strategic position on the campus. Built in 1923 to house the main university boilers and half of the building still carries out that function. It has been transformed into a modern, flexible and accessible space to be used for receptions, exhibitions, social events and the beautiful but functional acoustic panelling will also ensure musical performances are enjoyed for years to come.
Shortlisted Armstrong Building, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
Hexham House, Hexham Nominated by Ainsworth Spark Associates
The Boiler House, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
Byker Hobby Rooms, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Byker Community Trust
Palace Green Library, Durham Nominated by Turner & Townsend
The Maltings, Northumberland Nominated by Ascent Homes
Hatton Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by LDN Architects
Highly Commended Armstrong Building, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor: Howarth Litchfield Partnership Architect: Howarth Litchfield Partnership Developer/Contractor: PF Burridge & Sons Ltd Owner/Client: Newcastle University Nominated by: Howarth Litchfield Partnership
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RICS Matrics
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Apprentice of the Year Asset and Facilities Management Building Surveying Land (Rural and Urban) Mentor of the Year Property (Residential & Commercial) Project Management Quantity Surveying Valuation
Closing date for entries – 6 July 2018 *Open to all young surveyors, trainees and apprentices aged under 35.
Want to be Young Surveyor of the Year 2018? Nominate or enter now – rics.org/ysoya
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creating better environments
Commercial
This award honours an outstanding commercial property developme We are looking for evidence of a commercially successful project.
Winner Wylam Brewery, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor: xsite Architecture LLP Architect: xsite Architecture LLP Developer/Contractor: One Concept Owner/Client: Wylam Brewery Nominated by: xsite Architecture LLP The Palace of Arts was built in 1929 as part of the North East Coast Exhibition held in Newcastle that year. A familiar landmark in the city’s Exhibition Park, the Grade II listed building was refurbished in 2015 by Wylam Brewery. A state of the art 30BBL brewery occupies the rear half of the building, while the Brewery Tap, offices, kitchen and foyer space are arranged around the central octagonal hall which operates as an 800 capacity venue.
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ent whether retail, office, leisure, industrial or mixed use.
The judges said A listed building created in 1929 for the last Great Exhibition and re-imagined to create multi-use space, brewing in the city and exporting to a global stage. Quality of delivery in the materials and finishes and protection of the original character of this beautiful building is commendable. Particularly impressive that private investment has created a catalyst for investment by others particularly in the parkland and nearby cafĂŠ genuinely giving rise to an accessible green space in the city centre that drives footfall to experience many different forms of recreation.
Shortlisted Earl Grey House, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Knight Frank LLP
Strawberry Place, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Ryder Architecture
The Shield, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Turner & Townsend
Ernest Place, Durham Nominated by Turner & Townsend
Sheraton Park, Durham Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
Wylam Brewery, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by xsite Architecture LLP
Hitachi Rail Europe, Darlington Nominated by Ryder Architecture
The Fire Station, Sunderland Nominated by ENGIE UK Places & Communities
Highly Commended Earl Grey House, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor: Knight Frank LLP Architect: Elliot Architects Developer/Contractor: STP Construction Owner/Client: Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Ltd Nominated by: Knight Frank LLP
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Community Benefit
This award recognises honours excellent excellent work achievement in the conservation in providing of aasingle facilitybui w renovation success through or conversion local community to a new or feedback. original Projects use. can be single o
Winner Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, Morpeth Surveyor:
Andy Laurie Construction Consultancy Ltd Architect: Brightblue Studio Ltd Developer/Contractor: Brightblue Studio Ltd Owner/Client: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Nominated by: Brightblue Studio Ltd Built to inspire and engage people about nature, the new Sustainable Wildlife Centre and new circular fully accessible route around the reserve was mainly built by 110 volunteers giving 26,000 hours with 4200 attendees at 50 events. Since opening visitor numbers are double the targets with 45,000 in 8 months achieving 4.5* on Trip Advisor and 4.8* on Google. Restored and re-created habitats interconnect the landscape so visitors can have one of the best wildlife viewing experiences.
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which ildingdirectly or structure benefits or athe group local ofcommunity buildings orand structures can illustrate and covers its or groups of buildings, new or improvements to existing facilities.
The judges said This project has sustainable, innovative design embedded in it from the inception of the design brief to delivery. Community involvement far exceeded consultation on the design remit; with a significant proportion of the project physically built by the community and volunteers. The project provides an incredibly diverse offering from wildlife education, sites of archaeological interest; climate change education and star gazing to name a few. This project is already exceeding expectations with further exciting projects and engagement opportunities to be realised in the coming year.
Shortlisted Cleveland College of Art & Design, Hartlepool Nominated by ESH Construction Ltd
Orchard House Veterinary Practice, Bellingham Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, Hexham Nominated by JDDK Architects
Hadrian School Rebound Therapy Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Building Surveyors Ltd
Teeside University Library, Middlesbrough Nominated by KPMG Architects
Tree Top Village, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by IDPartnership
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, Morpeth Nominated by Brightblue Studio Ltd
The People’s Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Ryder Architecture
Highly Commended The People’s Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor: Todd Milburn Partnership Ltd Architect: Ryder Architecture Developer/Contractor: Tolent Construction Owner/Client: People’s Theatre Arts Group Nominated by: Ryder Architecture
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Design through Innovation
This award honours the use of outstanding innovation in designing a creativity and innovative design have enhanced a project across a wid
Winner Urban Sciences Building, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor: Architect:
Turner & Townsend Ryder Architecture/ Hawkins Brown Developer/Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland Construction Ltd Owner/Client: Newcastle University Nominated by: Turner & Townsend Opened in September 2017, the £58million 12,500 sq.m Urban Sciences Building (USB) is a flagship development for Newcastle University. The building and its surrounding city area is a “living laboratory” underpinning research to make urban centres more sustainable for future generations. As well as being home to one of the world’s Top 100 School’s of Computing, the building also includes a wide range of facilities funded through the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC).
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a successful project. The Judges will look for evidence that use of de range of criteria.
The judges said Providing a new purpose built facility for the University’s School of Computing, this is a project with innovation at it’s very core: building management systems driven by the University’s own research, external design, collaboration with key industry partners and an impressive emphasis on sustainability and environmental performance. Based on the principle of the ‘Building is a Laboratory’, the University is deriving huge amounts of data to enable ongoing efficiency of the building. A truly inspirational and futuristic building.
Shortlisted Armstrong Building, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
Mitford Adult Autism Inpatient Unit, Morpeth Nominated by Medical Architecture
The Glades, Northumberland Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
Cleveland College of Art & Design, Hartlepool Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
The Boiler House, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
Urban Sciences Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Turner & Townsend
Husk, Durham Nominated by Elvet Construction Consultants
Highly Commended Mitford Adult Autism Inpatient Unit, Morpeth Surveyor: Turner & Townsend Architect: Medical Architecture Developer/Contractor: Kier Construction Owner/Client: Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust Nominated by: Medical Architecture
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Ward Hadaway: Celebrating excellence Ward Hadaway is proud to support the RICS Awards 2018, and the award for Project of the Year. Congratulations to all of the winners.
To discuss your property and planning needs contact Neil Robson on 0191 204 4124. www.wardhadaway.com Newcastle | Leeds | Manchester
@WardHadaway
Infrastructure
This award will recognise the excellent achievement by a project or p projects that deliver essential facilities, services or organisational str
Winner Killingworth & Longbenton Surface Water Management Scheme, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor: Architect:
Turner & Townsend Esh Construction Ltd / MWH Developer/Contractor: Esh Construction Ltd / MWH Owner/Client: Northumbrian Water Group Ltd Nominated by: Turner & Townsend Since 2010 the Risk Management Authorities on Tyneside have implemented a collaborative prioritisation process to identify areas at greatest risk of flooding. Over 3000 properties in Killingworth and Longbenton have benefitted from increased flood protection from the sewer network, surface water and river flooding resulting from this scheme. This innovative multi-site project uses sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water and introduces opportunities for biodiversity, new habitat creation and educational facilities.
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programme of infrastructure works. Infrastructure works include any ructures.
The judges said This innovative project was delivered through a collaborative approach from Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and North Tyneside Council. Surface water is now stored and managed across 5 ponds using sustainable techniques with one pond doubling as a new school amphitheatre in drier conditions. There is great evidence of biodiversity, new habitat creation and continued educational learnings in the local high school. The ÂŁ5m scheme took 3 years to complete, provides flood protection to over 3,500 properties with total project benefits estimated at over ÂŁ30m.
Shortlisted Barnard Castle Emergency Services, Durham Nominated by Napper Architects
Killingworth & Longbenton Surface Water Management Scheme, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Turner & Townsend
No1 Quay Reconstruction & Dredging, Middlesbrough Nominated by Turner & Townsend
Enterprise Zone Infrastructure, Sunderland Nominated by ESH Construction Ltd
Highly Commended No1 Quay Reconstruction & Dredging, Middlesbrough Surveyor: Turner & Townsend Architect: PD Ports Developer/Contractor: McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd Owner/Client: Royal HaskoningDHV Nominated by: Turner & Townsend
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Regeneration
This award honours exceptional improvements to urban, rural or coa conserved or improved the built or natural environment in a way that
Winner Hitachi Rail Europe, Darlington Surveyor:
Merchant Place Developments Architect: Ryder Architecture Developer/Contractor: Shepherd Construction Ltd Owner/Client: Hitachi Rail Europe Nominated by: Ryder Architecture The Hitachi Rail Europe plant employs over 1,200 workers and assembles high speed intercity trains for the East Coast and Great Western mainlines. 42 sites throughout the UK were originally competing for the rail facility. The Newton Aycliffe site was successful particularly due to the region’s strong engineering link. Flexible manufacturing and assembly facilities, together with environmental sustainability, formed the principle design drivers. In addition, the building features dimmable LED lights with daylight sensors to minimise power consumption during daytime.
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astal areas. We are looking for evidence to show that the scheme has t has contributed to the viability of the area.
The judges said The biggest investment in County Durham since Nissan, Hitachi Rail Europe’s purpose built building has created much needed jobs for the region, 1,200 directly and 8,000 within the supply chain. With its own rail connection to Teesport, an important import and export facility has been created and train building has been brought back to the North East. The scale, impact and longevity of this splendid regeneration scheme marks a historic milestone for the Regional economy.
Shortlisted Byker Hobby Rooms, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Byker Community Trust
Marley & Thornton Court, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Blake Hopkinson Architecture
Tree Top Village, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by ID Partnership
Cleveland College of Art & Design, Hartlepool Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
Sheraton Park, Durham Nominated by Howarth Litchfield Partnership
Trinity South, South Shields Nominated by Keepmoat Homes Ltd
Hitachi Rail Europe, Darlington Nominated by Ryder Architecture
Highly Commended Byker Hobby Rooms, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor: Todd Milburn Partnership Ltd Architect: JDDK Architects Ltd Developer/Contractor: Esh Construction Ltd Owner/Client: Byker Community Trust Nominated by: Byker Community Trust
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Residential
This award honours an outstanding residential development of either We are looking for evidence of a successful project across a wide ran
Winner The Maltings, Northumberland Surveyor: Ascent Homes Architect: IDPartnership Developer/Contractor: Ascent Homes Owner/Client: Ascent Homes Nominated by: Ascent Homes The most recent addition to residential accommodation in Alnwick town centre, The Maltings, is a stunning and imaginatively designed conversion of the Grade II Listed Bolams Mill and Kiln House. Once the home of Alnwick Brewery, prior to being rescued by Ascent Homes, the derelict buildings were in danger of being added to the Buildings at Risk Register and lost forever. Saved for future generations, The Maltings is now home to 37 unique apartments.
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er a single building or overall scheme, either new build or conversion. nge of criteria.
The judges said Refurbishment of the listed buildings required great sensitivity to the original historic fabric. This project is deeply respectful of the historic structure whilst managing to create attractive, contemporary, loft spaces that will be a delight to inhabit. This project carefully balances the respectful restoration of a muchloved group of listed buildings, with a finely engineered attention to detail in the delivery of breath-taking contemporary loft apartments. The developer has bravely addressed a development challenge that must have seemed gargantuan at the outset. The completed project breathes new life into one of this attractive country towns most historic quarters, further broadening residential choice within the town, and delighting residents with its characterful functionality.
Shortlisted Dewley House, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Blake Hopkinson Architecture
Marley & Thornton Court, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Blake Hopkinson Architecture
Trinity South, South Shields Nominated by Keepmoat Homes Ltd
Jesmond Exchange, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by Adderstone Group
The Maltings, Northumberland Nominated by Ascent Homes
Weavers’ Court, Alnwick Nominated by IDPartnership
Maple Lodge, Ponteland Nominated by PJC Architecture Ltd
The Staithes, South Shields Nominated by NORR Consultants Ltd
Highly Commended Maple Lodge, Ponteland Surveyor: Pringle Building Services Ltd Architect: PJC Architecture Ltd Developer/Contractor: Pringle Building Services Ltd Owner/Client: Barbara Snaith Nominated by: PJC Architecture Ltd
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Tourism & Leisure This award honours projects that make an outstanding contribution
Winner Wylam Brewery, Newcastle upon Tyne Surveyor: xsite Architecture LLP Architect: xsite Architecture LLP Developer/Contractor: One Concept Owner/Client: Wylam Brewery Nominated by: xsite Architecture LLP The refurbishment of The Palace of Arts building in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park to create a brewery, headquarters and event space for Wylam Brewery was completed in 2016. The Grade II listed building, built for the North East Coast Exhibition in 1929 and empty for the previous 10 years, is now once again a major attraction as a ‘local’ in the park and a venue for a range of gigs and events, as well as exporting award winning beer around the globe.
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to tourism and leisure facilities in the region or their locality.
The judges said The Wylam Brewery project is a superb example of the vision and commitment of a Client and team who dare to be brave. The conversion of an existing museum into a tourism and leisure venue is both sustainable and innovative in its approach and has proven to be a catalyst for Exhibition Park and its stakeholders. The range of services and facilities illustrates creative thinking and a long term strategy designed around the production of a viable commercial plan.
Shortlisted Corbridge Cricket Club, Corbridge Nominated by In Architecture Ltd
The Fire Station, Sunderland Nominated by ENGIE UK Places & Communities
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, Morpeth Nominated by Brightblue Studio Ltd
The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, Hexham Nominated by JDDK Architects Ltd
Wylam Brewery, Newcastle upon Tyne Nominated by xsite Architecture LLP
Highly Commended The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, Hexham Surveyor: Gardiner & Theobald LLP Architect: JDDK Architects Ltd Developer/Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine Owner/Client: Northumberland National Park Nominated by: JDDK Architects Ltd
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Ward Hadaway: Celebrating excellence Ward Hadaway is proud to support the RICS Awards 2018, and the award for Project of the Year. Congratulations to all of the winners.
To discuss your property and planning needs contact Neil Robson on 0191 204 4124. www.wardhadaway.com
@WardHadaway
Newcastle | Leeds | Manchester
New Knowledge. New Skills. New Thinking. northumbria.ac.uk/degreeapprenticeships
Project of the Year
This award is honours presented excellent to thework project in the which conservation has been judged of a single overall bui renovation both the built or conversion and naturalto environments. a new or original use.
Winner Hitachi Rail Europe, Darlington Surveyor:
Merchant Place Developments Architect: Ryder Architecture Developer/Contractor: Shepherd Construction Ltd Owner/Client: Hitachi Rail Europe Nominated by: Ryder Architecture The purpose-built, state-of-the-art Hitachi Rail Europe (HRE) plant is the biggest investment that County Durham has seen since Nissan, and has provided HRE with a European base to build and deliver a new generation of high speed passenger trains for two initial contracts – the Great Western rail route and the East Coast Main Line upgrades. Originally, the site of Merchant Park in Newton Aycliffe was not in contention when Hitachi had shortlisted 42 sites across the UK to house the proposed manufacturing site. It was therefore
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ilding as anor excellent structure example or a group of best of buildings practice or bystructures professionals andworking covers in necessary to showcase the benefits of the site, including the experience of the region’s labour market and the site’s connectivity – including its close proximity to the A1M -to prove to HRE that the site was suitable. The Japanese firm of HRE recognised the site’s potential, and in particular its rail line running along the eastern boundary, and its unique feature of rail access to Teesport – the gateway to the North – as well as a straight rail test track, one of HRE’s requirements. Over a two-year period, the design team worked in partnership with HRE’s Japanese production team to understand each requirement of the rail manufacturing plant and explore options together to develop the optimum solution. The result is bespoke, high quality and economic accommodation that was constructed to a very demanding overall budget. Working with specialist British engineering companies, the plant has advanced manufacturing facilities/ capabilities including machinery developed to allow rail vehicles to traverse laterally between differing lines, reducing the building footprint and enabling freedom of movement around the facility.
The building also comprises an open plan office block, locker rooms, plant maintenance workshop area and a canteen, and is highly sustainable. The roof, supported by a large span structure, provides both natural light throughout and generates one megawatt of electricity via photovoltaic cells. Dimmable LED lights with daylight sensors also minimise power consumption, whilst two-tone low E glass to the offices is shaded by metal brise soleil to minimise solar heat gain. Furthermore, the project has also enhanced the local environmental corridor. The Merchant Park site was originally a habitat for great crested newts and it was important that the animals were not stripped of their habitat. A protected space was created in addition to a one-way fence, allowing the newts to pass through to a pond in the protected space without being able to go back. To-date, the manufacturing plant has been incredibly successful in creating much needed jobs for the region. The original aim was to create 700 HRE jobs, and this has been surpassed with over 1,200 being directly employed by HRE as of this year and 8,000 further jobs have since been created within the supply chain.
In addition, due to the success of the scheme, HRE are planning on bringing further contracts to the plant, having bid on train contracts in the West Midlands, South East as well as the London Underground. HRE is also currently working on an additional building to expand the services of the available adjacent land. Most recently, the University Technical College South Durham was established by Sunderland University as a direct result of the scheme too, to support the HRE facility. This has created an additional 600 opportunities and jobs for young apprentices in the North East, which will help to address some of the skills shortages in the region. David Cameron, then Prime Minister, said of the new scheme, “This is HRE’s first factory in Europe and their massive investment is a sign of their commitment to the UK and a real show of confidence in our economy and of confidence in the North East. I think this is a really big moment for the region. Train manufacturing has come back to the North East.”
The judges said Following a complex and challenging business case to bring Hitachi to the North East the development has kick started not only a transformation of the area, upskilling of staff, new opportunities for supply chains and local subcontractors to grow and expand and utilisation of both redundant train tracks and underutilised ports. The building is both impressive in scale and extremely well thought out to cope with the bespoke demands of train operators to both protect the future of the development and meet new challenges. Quite simply an outstanding example of property, construction and business coming together to deliver something which is sustainable for the region. This is exactly what we want our region to be known for. 29
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