Newcastle Civic Centre
The refurbishment of Newcastle Civic Centre preserves and enhances one of the city’s most important heritage assets – George Kenyon’s Grade II* listed Civic Centre built in 1968. The project also creates a new, easily identifiable entrance to the centre whilst at all times respecting the original fabric.
The wider refurbishment of the existing building extends its use as a civic facility and improves its environmental performance, reducing energy consumption by 30%. The project also provides a new entrance to resolve circulation and security issues. The design encloses the ground floor colonnade with a frameless glass façade, to create a new function for a previously under-utilised space, whilst maintaining the original character of the colonnade.
The refurbishment has not only preserved a well-loved Grade II* listed heritage asset in Newcastle, but has created an effective, modern workplace that is more accessible and connected to the people it serves.
Steve McIntyre, Partner
Preserving the Arches
The new entrance includes a main reception with informal seating, a public café and new meeting pods, which provide a series of private and group meeting rooms for council services such as weddings, births and bereavements.
A key design consideration was maintaining visual connections through the colonnade between Ceremonial Way and the Garth using a glazed facade, so meeting pods and other internal obstructions are aligned behind wide existing columns to minimise their impact.
To preserve the significance of the brick faced arches in the colonnade, all servicing is delivered from the floor to avoid ceiling mounted additions. Existing listed features are celebrated, including the rising metal screens designed by Charles Sansbury which can now be used to separate meeting spaces from the informal café area.
Legacy
We are exceptionally pleased with the final results, which ensure that Newcastle Civic Centre will continue to remain the home of the council and service the people of Newcastle for many generations to come.
Geoffrey Foreman, Project Manager, Newcastle City Council
Awards
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AJ Retrofit Awards 2022
Workplace £10m+ -
RIBA Awards 2022
Regional Award -
Mixology North Awards 2021
Public Sector Interiors Project of the Year -
Lord Mayor's Design Awards 2021
Refurbishment and Renewal Award
Press
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RIBA Journal
Newcastle Civic Centre
28/04/22 -
Mix Interiors
FaulknerBrowns Architects champions heritage at Newcastle Civic Centre refurbishment
15/02/22
