Capital & Centric, renowned for revitalising historic buildings, is set to embark on regeneration projects in Gateshead. The Manchester-based developer, known for transforming challenging brownfield sites, has identified Gateshead and the North East as key areas for its expansion.

Capital & Centric’s founders, Tim Heatley and Adam Higgins, have built a reputation through their appearances on Channel 4’s “Big Interiors Battle” and BBC’s “Manctopia,” showcasing their expertise in repurposing Victorian mills and 1960s brutalist structures.

Anneliese Hutchinson, Gateshead Council’s Interim Strategic Director for Economy, Innovation and Growth, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Capital & Centric’s record of accomplishment in developing historic buildings nationwide by breathing new life into them speaks volumes, and we look forward to hopefully working with them to regenerate our town centre. The Old Town Hall is a jewel in the crown for Gateshead as it is the only surviving purpose-built Victorian town hall in Tyne and Wear and is one of only five comparable listed Victorian town halls in the Northeast.”

The grade II-listed Old Town Hall, which served as the council headquarters for nearly 120 years, has recently been used by social and cultural sector bodies. The council is keen to find a more permanent solution for its use.

Currently, Capital & Centric is working on the conversion of Talbot Mill, one of Manchester’s oldest and largest untouched mills, and is developing a new HQ in Piccadilly East. The company has also completed the repurposing of a former cutlery works in Sheffield and has ongoing projects in Liverpool, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent, and Wolverhampton.

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital & Centric, highlighted the potential of Gateshead: “Gateshead has huge potential and the council have real ambition for the future of the town centre. We’re proud of our track record in turning around problem brownfield sites and are actively looking to repeat our success here in the North East. For us, it’s not just about bricks and mortar. It’s all about creating genuine neighbourhoods that pique interest from a design perspective and encourage a sense of pride locally.”

Moffat confirmed ongoing discussions with the council about key sites in Gateshead, with more details to be revealed during community consultations.