Aspire to move into landmark office development on Gateshead Quays

A North East tech firm has taken up tenancy of a new office development on the site of the former Baja Beach Club on Gateshead Quays.

Aspire Technology Solutions will be basing its new headquarters at the 30,000 sq ft space (Pipewell Quay), which is being delivered by property development firm Adderstone Group.

The Gateshead-based firm has signed up to a 12-year lease after being recently named as North East Company of the Year at the North East Business Awards.

Aspire was launched 14 years ago by Chris Fraser and Nigel Begg and now employs more than 150 people.

It has experienced significant growth in light of the growing technology challenges facing businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pipewell Quay will have a full glazed façade giving panoramic views directly across the River Tyne.

It is being built on the site of Baja Beach Club, which opened in 1999 and closed in 2008. The premises had remained derelict for more than a decade until Adderstone took it over.

Aspire has set ambitious plans for improving digital innovation across the North East and has recently invested £2.5 million in local infrastructure to launch its own full fibre North East network.

Known as Ultrafast Dedicated Connectivity (UDC), Aspire offer internet connections of up to 100 gigabit per second (Gb/s).

Chris Fraser, managing director at Aspire, said: “To support our continued growth plans, we wanted a new iconic HQ and the best possible working environment for our people. Pipewell Quay was top of our list.

“We have ambitious plans to improve the connectivity and cloud performance available to North East businesses. Our full fibre network is a game changer which delivers more than just speed.”

Adderstone Group CEO Ian Baggett added: “It’s great that Chris and his team share our vision for collaboration and innovation. They are the perfect tenant for what will be one of the coolest office developments in the region.”