Contractor named for Newcastle HQ

Home Group, one of the UK’s largest housing associations has appointed Ask Real Estate and BAM Construction as the developer and contractor for its new head office in Newcastle City Centre.

The north east-based organisation was given planning permission earlier this year to build the 6,500m² building, which will be set over six floors in the fast-developing St James’ part of the city.

Close to 700 of its 2,600 strong workforce will move into the new building in 2022. The building, which will complement the growing development in this area of the city, will house Home Group’s administrative and customer service centre staff.

Joe Cook, Executive Director of Development at Home Group, said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Ask Real Estate. Their outstanding work, especially in city centres, speaks for itself. The project team and I are excited about working with them, and the excellent BAM.

“Ask’s track record in delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable buildings was key in our decision to appoint them. The sustainability of the building, in particular, is extremely important.”

Commenting on behalf of Ask Real Estate Managing Director John Hughes said: “We are proud to have been selected by Home Group and to hear that our best in class approach in delivering Grade A office buildings for forward thinking organisations such as Home Group has been recognised.”

Tony Fitzgerald, Construction Director for BAM in the North East said: “The new head office will play a significant role in Home Group’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Not only will be the building adhere to the latest sustainable practices, the relocation from North Tyneside to Newcastle City Centre will reduce the organisation’s environmental impact in other ways.

“We are working up a range of plans and offers to encourage colleagues to move to more sustainable modes of transport as part of our move, something we are receiving excellent support with from the transport team at Newcastle City Council.”

The 22-month development is expected to be completed by early summer 2022.