Muse Developments is to start work on the headquarters for an innovative new housing group at the £100m Northshore scheme in Stockton on Tees.
Extending to 43,000 sq ft, the new building will be located adjacent to the Infinity Bridge and will accommodate up to 436 employees for thirteen Group, which will start business on 1 April.
Thirteen Group will be the result of a merger of two major North East housing organisations, Fabrick Housing Group and Vela Group. The move to Northshore will enable thirteen Group to consolidate its operations into a contemporary and environmentally efficient building designed specifically to meet its needs and promote working practices that reflect its aims and values.
A reserved matters planning application was approved by Stockton Borough Council at the end of December. North East based Esh Construction has been announced as the contractor and construction will commence in February with completion of the building programmed for January 2015.
Simon Dew senior development surveyor at Muse Developments comments: “This is a significant development at Northshore and marks the delivery of our first commercial phase. The development of this landmark head office follows the delivery of the award winning Vivo residential scheme and a recent announcement regarding the development of a new state of the art Innovation Centre, also commencing on site in spring 2014. “With construction of the second phase of residential - Vivo continuing at pace and 80,000 sq ft of commercial buildings due on site this year, Northshore is one of the North East’s major regeneration schemes.”
Mike Clark, Chairman Designate of thirteen Group added: “Northshore is an excellent location for the head office of the new group, situated in the heart of the Tees Valley, where we serve so many communities. As a company committed to regeneration we are also very pleased to be able to contribute to the renaissance of Northshore, which is very important to the future of Stockton and the wider sub-region”
Chris Munro, Area Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency said: “The new head office building for thirteen Group is another significant step towards completion of the Northshore scheme. The office building will complement the recently announced innovation centre in creating and securing jobs in Stockton. Alongside Vivo Muse is helping to create a new community in the area.”
Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: “This is yet another exciting stage for Northshore which is now developing at pace. It is fantastic to see this mixed development come to life with people working, growing businesses and living there. Northshore will certainly complement the new Stockton Town Centre once its transformation is complete.
"People living and working at Northshore will be within easy reach of the wide range of independent shops, businesses, leisure facilities and eateries in Stockton Town Centre as well as the host of nationally acclaimed events which are held annually within the Town Centre and on the Riverside. The Northshore and Town Centre schemes are quickly progressing and it is great to see our vision and confidence in the schemes and the part they have to play in the regeneration of our Borough come to fruition.”