A NORTH East architecture business has launched in Teesside in a bid to establish more links along the East coast of the UK, which it sees as a “gateway of massive opportunity”.
Space Architects, which has its headquarters in Newcastle and bases in Hull, Leeds, Manchester and London, has opened its latest office at the recent £4m Boho Five development in Middlehaven.
Two local recruits have joined the team to head up the new site at the 24,000 sq ft urban streetscape, which can house up to 50 businesses. Jonathan Curwen and Michael Cowley have both been appointed as senior architectural technologists.
Space plans to grow the team in 2016, citing Teesside as an area of opportunity to develop architectural talent, attract investment and develop a sustainable community.
Space Architects CEO Rob Charlton said: “Making the move to Middlesbrough is an exciting prospect for Space Architects as it will allow us to strengthen our presence on the East coast, which we see as a gateway of huge potential to the rest of Europe.
“As a northern architect, one of the regeneration schemes which has impressed me the most is Middlehaven and the East coast has fantastic ports and great links to mainland Europe. There is a fantastic indigenous skill base and there is a history of innovation over the centuries, which must be harnessed.
“The East side of the country has traditionally relied on heavy industry such as shipbuilding, and steel making but our aim is to find new ways to nurture talent and industry in the region. There are many facets to this and the built environment plays a massive part. By developing architectural talent, as well as other innovative disciplines such as technology, engineering and pharmaceuticals, the East coast can attract investment.”
Jonathan Curwen from Ingleby Barwick said: “There is a fantastic company culture at Space Architects so it’s great to come on board and make a start on the New Year in new surroundings and with new challenges. Michael and I are looking forward to securing projects in Teesside and in turn contributing to its changing landscape.”
Rob continued: “Space Architects’ business strategy for 2016 is to embrace what we see as the Northern Powerhouse – to open more offices in the North and to help promote growth and regeneration here.
“This will be with a focus on the East, a long way from Manchester at the centre of the Northern Powerhouse, which our Teesside office will enable us to do. We want to add to the positive effect that the Boho Zone has had on the area and help create a centre of digital excellence here.”
For further information, visit: http://www.spacearchitects.co.uk/contact/