The deal for the prime city centre building was struck by agents at Knight Frank after previous tenant Zerolight moved out
From left, Nathan Douglas of Knight Frank, Jacqui Kell of Live Theatre and Trevor Woodward and Lisa Raeburn of Kaefer UK & Ireland(Image: Ian McClelland Media)
An industrial specialist is on the move to Newcastle city centre after signing up for space in a prime Quayside building. Kaefer UK and Ireland is moving into Live Works – one of the Quayside’s most prominent schemes – after sealing a deal for the property.
The company, which provides access solutions, insulation, surface protection and other specialist services to major industrial sectors, is relocating its headquarters from Jarrow, South Tyneside. The business has signed a deal for 15,000 sq ft at Live Works on a 15-year lease with a break in year 10. Zerolight moved out last autumn after nine years in the offices overlooking the Tyne.
Nathan Douglas, senior surveyor at Knight Frank, said: “Kaefer was looking for a high quality workspace in a prominent location for their staff, with good surrounding amenities. Having a good ear to the ground helps create opportunities that are not always obvious and advertised on the open market.”
Live Theatre bought the land and buildings next to its theatre in 2014 to develop Live Works, a £10.5m landmark office scheme, which was completed in 2016. Zerolight moved in later that year.
The development generates essential commercial income that underpins Live Theatre’s charitable work, supporting writers while championing new writing and creative talent from the North East, on a local, national and international level. Chris Foulkes, CEO of Kaefer UK and Ireland, said: “Relocating our head office to the heart of Newcastle is an exciting step for Kaefer.
“Live Works provides a modern, high-quality workspace that reflects our commitment to our people and gives our team a central, collaborative environment. We’re looking forward to being part of the Quayside community and continuing to deliver excellence for our clients from this prime location.”
Jacqui Kell, executive director and co-CEO at Live Theatre, added: “Live Works was developed to bring high-quality businesses into the heart of the Quayside while generating vital income for Live Theatre’s work. Welcoming Kaefer as a long-term tenant is a real vote of confidence in the building, the location, and Newcastle city centre. We’re proud that this development continues to play a role in supporting both economic activity and cultural ambition in the region.”
Zerolight, moving out last autumn, said it was “very excited to begin our next chapter at Generator Studios”.
It added: “With the successful implementation of hybrid working for the past couple of years, we’ve found that our studio needs have changed. We no longer require the large footprint of our previous office (Live Works has 4 huge studios plus a breakout space).
“This time we’ve chosen a space that is better suited to our flexible work-life, which allows employees to choose whether to work from a collaborative studio space or from the quiet of their home office.”
