Bolbec Hall to undergo £1.2m refurbishment

Bolbec Hall, the Grade II office property built in 1907 for Newcastle’s Literary & Philosophical Society (Lit & Phil), is to undergo a significant £1.2m refurbishment programme which will deliver 16,000 sq ft of contemporary office space across five floors at the heart of the city centre.

The building has been acquired by Maymask the same local developer behind the successful transformation of the similarly Grade II listed Cathedral Buildings on Dean Street, Newcastle.

Cathedral Buildings underwent a full restoration programme and is now fully let and Bolbec Hall will be redeveloped in the same manner. Bolbec Hall’s fortunes are to be revived by retaining its renowned classic features but upgrading at the same time each floor to provide Grade A office space.

Michael Downey, Associate Director – Office Advisory at Lambert Smith Hampton says: “Bolbec Hall was originally built over a century ago. It requires extensive renovation as it appears to have been somewhat neglected since being sold by The Lit & Phil in 2015. With this there is an opportunity to create outstanding office space and yet retain the stature of what has been described as one of Newcastle’s ‘hidden gems’. Our client has the opportunity to help satisfy the city’s critical supply of Grade A stock by bringing forward this scheme.

“The building’s contemporary design will include an impressive full height atrium comprising a new glass lift leading to five open plan floor plates from 2,500 sq ft,” adds Mr. Downey.

“We expect the space on offer will attract significant interest from a wide spectrum of business sectors including SME’s looking to move on from nearby serviced office accommodation, established businesses from the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector and firms in the Professional Services sector.”

John Wade, a director from the developer Maymask, says Bolbec Hall has significant presence in a location renowned for classical buildings.

“There is no doubt that the location being so close to the Central Station transport hub and the adjoining business quarters of the city provides an opportunity to boost the local economy,” says Mr Wade.

“Bringing Bolbec Hall back to life is a great opportunity to add further to an area which already has some significant occupiers and of course outstanding buildings.

“We hope to recreate the same success of our Cathedral Buildings redevelopment. Given that Bolbec Hall has a lavishly ornate interior, we are excited to see the finished project.”

A show suite will be open towards the end of this year.