The Lumen opens on Newcastle Helix

The latest development at Newcastle Helix, The Lumen, is now open for business following the completion of construction on 106,000 sq ft of grade A office space.

The landmark city centre development is called the ‘Lumen’ to represent a vision that it will spark innovation, ideas and new discoveries.

Its story began back in 2018, as part of a £65 million investment from Legal & General, making it the largest private sector funded office building to be constructed in the city centre in the last decade.

New photos of the finished project have been released already with video footage to be published in the coming weeks, allowing potential occupiers to benefit from a virtual viewing.

With the latest facilities, shared working spaces and flexible floor plates, The Lumen is already gaining significant interest from businesses in the UK and abroad.

Prospective investors could also benefit from the unique eco-system that fosters collaboration between the public sector, academics and like-minded businesses on the Newcastle Helix site.

Councillor Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture at Newcastle City Council, said: “The completion of the Lumen marks a significant milestone in Newcastle Helix’s story.

“In challenging times, this building will play a crucial role in the future of our economy. It has already created a number of jobs across the whole supply chain and has the potential to create more than 1000 jobs once open.”

“Newcastle Helix is helping to build our economy around healthy ageing, tech, sustainability and data, supporting our city with its post-coronavirus economic recovery.

“It is really promising that we have already had significant interest from potential new occupiers.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to deliver this project and I look forward to welcoming new businesses in person when I can.”

Professor Chris Day, vice-chancellor and president of Newcastle University, added: “Newcastle University is immensely proud of what our partnership with Newcastle City Council and Legal & General has achieved here on Newcastle Helix, and I would like to congratulate them both as The Lumen opens for business.

“Although it seems like a long time ago now, it is only a few short weeks since the council and Legal & General joined me to celebrate the completion of The Lumen’s neighbour, The Catalyst, which is now home to the University’s two UK National Innovation Centres in Ageing and Data and the National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory.

“These are developments that are not only transforming this part of the city but that also have the potential to transform the future.”

Jennie Hill, chief commercial director of future cities at Legal & General, described Newcastle as one of the fastest growing cities in the UK and cited its data connectivity and talented pool of graduates as key drivers of the company’s investment in the city.

She added: “The Lumen is an iconic site and one that provides an innovation space for companies that want to establish a base in the North.

“Part of the wider Newcastle Helix innovation cluster, it is ideally located among scores of world-class researchers, developers, and tech facilities, as well as having access to high-quality living and leisure spaces.

“Legal and General is proud to have been part of this fantastic development and looks forward to seeing the first tenants move in as the lockdown eases.”

Image credit: Graeme Peacock Photography