Appointed by main contractor, Bowmer+Kirkland, Classic Masonry, one of the UK’s leading specialists in stonemasonry and architectural precast concrete, has completed a £1.85 million contract at Pilgrim’s Quarter, Newcastle.
The project involved the retention of the 120m long Art Deco façade and dome of the Grade II listed Carliol House, incorporating them into a new 460,000 sq ft office complex for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) which will eventually house up to 9,000 staff.
Additional works undertaken by the company included the design, supply and installation of precast concrete, cladding and columns to the new build areas, as well as cladding work and stone work restoration – helping to temporarily dismantle the dome structure on the Carliol House/Market Street junction as part of the construction process, which was cleaned, repaired and reinstated.
The preservation of the dome and the façade was a central element of the development, blending historical architecture with a modern office complex. The façade is thought to be one of the largest retentions in the country, with a significant steel structure temporarily supporting the Portland stonework.
The nine-storey office will be HMRC’s largest regional hub in the UK. The building is the centrepiece of the wider Pilgrim’s Quarter regeneration scheme and blends modern architecture with the historic grade II listed, Carliol House.
Established 35 years ago, Classic Masonry, offers a comprehensive range of services, including design development, stone sourcing and selection, cutting, profiling, carving and fabrication. It undertakes both new build masonry construction and restoration and conservation projects, which include cleaning, decontamination and facade consolidation. Its expertise spans both modern and historic environments.
Mike Moody, managing director at Classic Masonry, said: “We would like to express our thanks to Bowmer+Kirkland who appointed us onto this hugely significant project for the Newcastle city centre. It is wonderful to see a high quality, modern, working environment retain its historical features as seen with the mix of historical and modern architecture.
“We worked alongside numerous teams including the construction team at Bowmer+Kirkland, Ryder Architecture and the conservation team at Newcastle City Council to plan and develop a suite of interventions to maintain and preserve the structural and historic integrity of the façade.”
Paul Anderson, project director at Bowmer+Kirkland, said: “By employing Classic Masonry, we were able to bring to the project unrivalled experience, technical knowledge, and trusted relationships with the local conservation officers and this was critical to the success of the scheme. The old façade has been brought back to life and now merges seamlessly with the new building.”