Developer and plc anchor tenant announced for airport business park 

The North East’s largest airport, Newcastle International, announced today (17thDecember) it has appointed a developer and secured a tenant for the first phase of the Airport Business Park project.

Tynexe, a joint venture company between Newcastle City Council and Dysart Developments (North East) Ltd, has 25 years of experience in regeneration and development in the region and has been appointed as the developer for the project.

Housing developer Bellway plc has committed its future to the North East by confirming it will build a new UK Head Office at the Airport Business Park.

One of the country’s leading housebuilders and a FTSE 250 company, Bellway has been based at Seaton Burn House in Seaton Burn for almost 25 years. In recent years the company has doubled in size and now has twice as many people employed at its Head Office.

The new office will enable Bellway to bring all its functions back under one roof. Bellway will design and build the office, incorporating industry-leading conference and training facilities in an energy-efficient building.

The airport development which is designed for company headquarters and similar functions will provide 175,000 sq. ft. of premium office development, benefiting from first-class landscaping in a parkland setting at the south side of the airport and will be served by excellent transport links.

Near to Callerton Parkway Metro station, the site is just a two-minute drive to the airport and has direct access to the A696 trunk road, leading to the A1.

Once the site is fully operational, businesses there are expected to employ about 2,000 people.

On behalf of the airport, Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Chair of the LA7 Airport Holding Company, said: “We are delighted to announce Tynexe as the developer that will oversee the first phase of this exciting project. Its experience of delivering high-profile builds to an outstanding standard makes Tynexe the ideal choice for this development.

“Our development partner has been chosen as result of its track record for delivering quality schemes, and its reputation for carefully maintaining sites and paying very close attention to being a good neighbour. The airport and Tynexe are both committed to working with the local community to ensure we minimise any possible impacts.

“The securing of Bellway as anchor tenant is a fantastic news. The Business Park will offer companies unrivalled transport links in high quality surroundings, and to get a major PLC as first occupier is an indicator of how attractive we expect the site to be.”

On behalf of Tynexe, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet Member for Employment, Cllr Ged Bell, who is a member of the Tynexe Board, said: “Newcastle International is one of the jewels in the North East’s crown, voted Best UK Airport in 2017. It’s a major generator of employment as well as linking passengers and businesses with major conurbations around the world.

“There is huge economic potential in the land near to the airport because of its outstanding transport links. It’s vitally important that these developments are built to a high specification which is why I am delighted that Tynexe, with its track record of developing business parks, have been chosen for this flagship development.

“It’s great news that a major housebuilder such as Bellway want to build their national headquarters at the business park. It will undoubtedly help attract other big name companies which will generate new employment opportunities for local people.

“As with all development it will be subjected to the usual planning process. I look forward to the new announcements on this exciting project.”

Bellway Chief Executive, Jason Honeyman, said: “This move demonstrates Bellway’s firm commitment to the North East as we continue to implement our growth strategy.

“We recently announced plans for further investment in growth, with the creation of three new regional divisions in response to the continued demand for new homes. To achieve this, it is essential that our central functions have the capacity to expand further. Our new Head Office will facilitate this.

“The Airport Business Park is the ideal location for Bellway’s UK Head Office. Its proximity to the airport, A1 and Central Station will enable us to stay connected with Bellway’s 22 divisions across England, Scotland and Wales.

“We are thrilled to be the first tenants at the new business park, which will support the wider North East economy. Our facilities will benefit staff based at Head Office as well as those working in our divisional offices around the UK.”

Newcastle City Council holds a 50% share in Tynexe with Dysart Developments holding the remaining 50% share. Its principal activity is the letting and management of industrial units on the Armstrong Centre Industrial Park. More recently, it has developed 86 residential units on Northbourne Street and has secured planning consent for the redevelopment of Loadman Street.

It contributes to the city’s regeneration and employment and supports the voluntary sector.

The first phase of this development is expected to be complete by early 2020.