One of the UK's leading law firms is making a significant move within Newcastle's city centre, marking a new chapter in its long history in the region. Thompsons Solicitors, a national practice specialising in personal injury and employment law, has confirmed it will relocate its Newcastle base to the prestigious Wellbar building on Gallowgate.
A Prime City Centre Location
The firm, which first established an office in the city in 1980, will occupy the entire top floor of the building. This strategic move places the company in the heart of Newcastle's commercial district. Tony Hood, Operations Director at Thompsons Solicitors, expressed the company's enthusiasm for the new site, highlighting the excellent transport links and the impressive facilities as key factors in the decision.
"With our long-standing presence in Newcastle, we are thrilled to relocate to the heart of the city," said Hood. "It was the standout location from our property search, and the light and views offered from the ninth floor are particularly attractive."
Multimillion-Pound Building Upgrades
The relocation coincides with the completion of a major, two-year, multimillion-pound improvement programme at the Wellbar building. The owners, Northumberland Estates, have overseen extensive upgrades designed to enhance the workspace and its environmental performance.
The investment includes a comprehensive refurbishment of the ground floor reception, lift lobbies, and washroom and shower facilities. Crucially, it also features the installation of new, energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These improvements bolster the building's green credentials, responding to growing tenant demand for high-quality, sustainable office space.
The Wellbar is already home to several other businesses, including Kennedy’s Law, Careline Lifestyles, Turnitin, and Sky.
KPMG Cements North East Commitment
In a separate but related boost for Newcastle's professional services sector, global accountancy giant KPMG UK has renewed its lease at Quayside House on the city's iconic Quayside. The firm has committed to remaining in the building until at least September 2030, extending a presence in the North East that spans more than 150 years.
As part of the lease renewal, KPMG is investing in significant upgrades to its Newcastle office. The work aims to create a more modern and collaborative environment for its staff, with enhanced audiovisual and acoustic facilities in client meeting rooms.
Michael Downes, Newcastle Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: "This lease renewal demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the region. The upgraded workspace will ensure we are best placed to support the region’s ambitions in the years ahead."
Michael O’Driscoll, Commercial Property Investment Director of Northumberland Estates, welcomed KPMG's decision, stating it showed "real confidence in both the building and Newcastle's position as a thriving business centre."
Together, these moves by Thompsons Solicitors and KPMG underscore a strong vote of confidence in Newcastle's commercial property market and its status as a key hub for legal, financial, and professional services in the North of England.
