An industrial services specialist has secured a prominent new headquarters in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, marking a significant relocation to the city's iconic Quayside. Kaefer UK and Ireland has finalised a deal to occupy space within the Live Works development, a move that sees the company transition from its previous base in Jarrow, South Tyneside.
A Prime Quayside Location for Business Growth
The agreement, facilitated by agents at Knight Frank, involves a substantial 15,000 square foot tenancy at Live Works, arranged on a 15-year lease with an option to break in the tenth year. This prime city centre building became available following the departure of previous tenant Zerolight, which vacated the offices overlooking the River Tyne last autumn after a nine-year occupancy.
Strategic Move for Staff and Operations
Nathan Douglas, senior surveyor at Knight Frank, highlighted the strategic thinking behind the relocation. "Kaefer was actively seeking a high-quality workspace in a prominent location for their staff, with excellent surrounding amenities," he explained. "Maintaining strong market intelligence helps create opportunities that aren't always immediately obvious or advertised on the open market."
Chris Foulkes, CEO of Kaefer UK and Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the move. "Relocating our head office to the heart of Newcastle represents an exciting step forward for Kaefer," he stated. "Live Works offers a modern, high-quality workspace that reflects our commitment to our people and provides our team with a central, collaborative environment. We anticipate becoming an active part of the Quayside community while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients from this outstanding location."
Supporting Cultural and Economic Ambitions
Live Theatre originally acquired the land and buildings adjacent to its theatre in 2014, developing Live Works as a £10.5 million landmark office scheme completed in 2016. The development serves a dual purpose: attracting quality businesses to the Quayside while generating essential commercial income that supports Live Theatre's charitable mission.
Jacqui Kell, executive director and co-CEO at Live Theatre, welcomed the new tenant. "Live Works was conceived to bring high-calibre businesses into the core of the Quayside while creating vital revenue for Live Theatre's cultural work," she noted. "Welcoming Kaefer as a long-term tenant represents a genuine vote of confidence in the building, the location, and Newcastle city centre as a whole. We take pride in this development's ongoing role in supporting both economic activity and cultural ambition across the region."
Previous Tenant Embraces Flexible Working
Zerolight, the former occupant, has moved to Generator Studios, citing evolving workspace needs. The company explained that successful implementation of hybrid working over recent years had changed their studio requirements, no longer necessitating the extensive footprint provided by Live Works. Their new space better accommodates a flexible work-life balance, allowing employees to choose between collaborative studio environments and home offices.
Kaefer provides comprehensive industrial solutions including access systems, insulation, surface protection, and other specialist services to major industrial sectors. This relocation to Newcastle's Live Works underscores the continued appeal of prime city centre locations for businesses seeking quality workspace in vibrant, amenity-rich environments.
