1 Pilgrim Place, one of the largest office schemes in Newcastle city centre, has reached a significant construction milestone with the completion of its structural shell. The building is scheduled for completion in April 2027 and will become the new regional base for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Project partners celebrate progress
Representatives from the DWP, Reuben Brothers (Newcastle) Ltd, Bowmer + Kirkland, Avison Young, Ryder Architecture, Cundall, and Newcastle City Council gathered to mark the occasion. Guests toured the development and heard about the building's role in the city's transformation.
The event highlighted collaboration between the public and private sectors, with a commemorative plaque presented to mark the shell's completion.
Part of Pilgrim's Quarter regeneration
1 Pilgrim Place is part of the wider Pilgrim's Quarter development, which includes Pilgrim's Quarter (the Government hub for HMRC), and 2 Pilgrim Place, available to let. The 7.9-hectare site is one of the UK's most significant city-centre regeneration programmes.
Roger Thornton, head of property at Motcomb Estates, said: "Today's event is a great opportunity to recognise the progress being made at 1 Pilgrim Place and the commitment shown by everyone involved in delivering it. The building is an important part of the wider regeneration of Pilgrim Street, creating high-quality workspace that will complement the growing mix of commercial, leisure and hospitality uses emerging across this part of the city. As more projects reach completion over the coming months, the long-term vision for Pilgrim Street is becoming a reality."
Sarah Homer, director general for corporate transformation at the DWP, said: "It's fantastic to see the progress being made at 1 Pilgrim Place. This development will provide a modern, collaborative workplace that supports the way DWP and our staff work while reinforcing our long-term commitment to Newcastle. We look forward to seeing the building completed and becoming part of this thriving new city-centre neighbourhood."
Construction expertise praised
Paul Anderson, project director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: "Reaching this stage of construction is a testament to the commitment and expertise of everyone working on the project. Delivering a development of this scale within a busy city-centre environment requires close collaboration, and we're proud of the progress made as we continue towards completion."
Christopher Turnbull, principal at Avison Young, said: "1 Pilgrim Place is another significant milestone in the wider regeneration of Pilgrim Street. Avison Young is proud to support the programme through project management, property management, planning and agency services. The scheme will deliver one of the city's most prominent office developments, helping to make a lasting contribution to Newcastle's economy, business community and long-term commercial future."
