Newcastle’s Pilgrim’s Quarter, part of the Pilgrim Street development, is set to become the new home for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the North East.
Part of the Government Hub network, HMRC’s state-of-the-art regional centre will be based at the new development and will accommodate approximately 9,000 staff from HMRC.
The Newcastle building will be the largest of HMRC’s 13 regional centres, at 43,000m2 and marks an important step in the department’s wider transformation agenda.
This nine-storey city centre building stretches from Northumberland Street in the north to the Tyne Bridge in the south. Pilgrim’s Quarter will be part of a vibrant and attractive new development close to retail and leisure facilities, places to eat and open spaces. It is ten minutes from Newcastle Central Station and has excellent transport links.
Jim Harra, HMRC’s Chief Executive and first Permanent Secretary, said:
“HMRC has had a longstanding presence in Newcastle and the wider North East. Signing the lease for the new regional centre is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the area, its economy and our employees based in the North East.
“Pilgrim’s Quarter will deliver the inclusive, flexible and collaborative working environment that meets the current and future needs of our colleagues while improving career development opportunities.”
Steve Barclay, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said:
“We’re committed to levelling up the country and this hub follows recent expansions in the region from the Treasury and DEFRA.
“Moving 9,000 staff into one city centre site will deliver fantastic footfall for local businesses while also making the government property estate greener and more efficient.”
The new regional centre will enable HMRC to build a stronger relationship with the local community and become a visible and active contributor to Newcastle and the wider North East region.
Moving to Pilgrim’s Quarter better meets the department’s future requirements by providing the size quality of workplace it needs, with better access to transport links that will also support the government’s green and sustainability agendas.
Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Newcastle and anyone who has a stake in the success of the city centre.
“Having a new development for 9,000 workers in the heart of the city will be great for transport operators, retailers and the hospitality trade. It will not only boost our economy but bring huge social value to the city as it continues to be transformed after the pandemic.
“It shows confidence in our vision and the £50 million city centre transformation plan we launched earlier this year and comes on the back of organisations like the Home Group, Homes England, Monstarlab and others, choosing the city as their first choice for attracting and retaining great people.
“All these developments will bring a huge economic stimulus which is just what we need, and I wholeheartedly welcome it.
“All planning applications are of course subject to the scrutiny of the independent planning process.”
