A leading Newcastle regeneration project, The Toffee factory in the Ouseburn Valley, has won the Project of the Year title at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) North East Renaissance Awards.
The former Maynards works was refurbished and partly rebuilt to create a £6m hub for creative and digital businesses.
It also took the regeneration award and was highly commended in the design & innovation category and the commercial property category.
The flagship project was described by David Furniss, chairman of the RICS North East judging panel, as “an outstanding example of regeneration which illustrates the talent and skills of our region’s property professionals.”
He said: “It epitomises everything that a modern building should be – not only is it attractive and innovative in its design, but it is also highly sustainable. Through a comprehensive refurbishment, with care taken to maintain key aspects to the character of the original building, the restoration of the Toffee Factory has brought new life and purpose to a derelict building, enabling it to become an exciting hub for the city’s digital and creative businesses.”
A city Council spokesperson said: “The successful redevelopment of the Toffee Factory has enhanced the city's growing international reputation as a centre for cultural and creative industries, helping to grow the knowledge economy and create much need employment opportunities.
“It is another important step in the wider regeneration of the Ouseburn Valley which will support small businesses and put us at the forefront of innovation in the design and digital sectors."
The Toffee Factory is an anchor development for the southern end of the Ouseburn valley, with plans in place for further developments over the coming months and years.
The project was financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 and Newcastle City Council.
Page last updated: 30 April, 2012
