Workspace provider set to launch at Newcastle’s Portland House

A flexible workspace provider will soon be opening its first operation on Tyneside after signing up to the majority of remaining space at Newcastle’s award-winning Portland House.

Wizu, which provides serviced offices, co-working spaces, virtual offices and meeting room facilities, has secured a management agreement for almost 20,000sq ft of space within a standalone wing, as the firm looks to expand beyond its Yorkshire heartland.

The building, formerly the home of Newcastle Building Society, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three years to become a wellness-focused, highly sustainable workspace.

The official launch of Wizu at Portland House is scheduled for December and with levels of demand for high-quality, flexible workspace proving to be healthy in Newcastle city centre, 20 per cent of the new serviced office space has already been pre-let.

Wizu at Portland House will have its own reception accessed off Blue Carpet Square with a range of offices from four to 100 desks over five floors.

It also caters to individuals and growing businesses with bookable hot desks and memberships.

Tom Almas, chief executive of Wizu Workspace, said: “We recognised the demand for serviced offices in Newcastle has consistently outpaced supply, owing to the lack of high-quality flexible workspace.

“We chose this stunning new location as it embodies our signature style – beautifully restored and modernised heritage architecture in a prime location.”

Alongside meeting facilities, free-to-use phone booths, and iPad-controlled coffee machines, Wizu members will benefit from all the amenities in Portland House including changing rooms and showers, cycle racks, a drying room, parking spaces, EV charge points, and e-bike chargers.

James Keegan, who has overseen the transformation of Portland House alongside co-developer Oliver Holland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Wizu to Portland House and look forward to them developing their serviced accommodation offering in Newcastle.

“We believe the hybrid approach of offering both traditional and flexible space provides our tenants with ultimate flexibility to match their business needs.”

Portland House is already home to tenants including commercial property consultancy Eddisons, maritime and international trade solicitors Mills & Co, barristers Parklane Plowden, recruitment firm Central Employment and wealth management company Raymond James, Monument.

In recent weeks, technology provider Ezoic UK Ltd – the UK arm of California group Ezoic – has also announced the relocation of its North East workforce to Portland House. With the latest lettings, over 85% of the building will be occupied less than a year after its launch.