Project Spotlight: Haymarket Hub

Tolent was the main contractor for Haymarket Hub, a mixed-use development totalling 46,000 square feet situated over the Haymarket Metro Station in Newcastle. The Metro station was also refurbished as part of this contract. Rejuvenating this historical northern gateway into the city centre, the exciting design of the Metro Station space has provided new leisure, commercial and retail opportunities. Works included full refurbishment of the underground platforms including removal of asbestos (inc tunnel rings), demolition of all platform finishes and removal of all M&E services. The remodelled platforms gave a modern contemporary feel which emphasised the tunnel shape and provided an up to date electrical,mechanical and communications system.

With the station used by millions of passengers every year Haymarket Hub is central to the area's transport network and links with the Universities. The building stands proud amongst but not overshadowing the current landmarks of the area, providing a logical defined boundary to the northern aspect of the city and bringing renewed vitality to this important part of the Newcastle.

With the station used by millions of passengers every year Haymarket Hub is central to the area's transport network and links with the Universities. The building stands proud amongst but not overshadowing the current landmarks of the area, providing a logical defined boundary to the northern aspect of the city and bringing renewed vitality to this important part of the Newcastle.

Project Spotlight: Hudson Quay

Tolent built 38,500 square feet of high quality office accommodation at Hudson Quay 2, a building which forms part of the Manhattan Gate development project on Teesside from Terrace Hill Group plc. The offices feature steel frame construction with pre-cast concrete floors. Elevations are treated with a combination of curtain walling and feature ‘Astraglaze’ blockwork. The building received a BREEAM rating of Very Good.

Manhattan Gate forms part of the 80-acre Middlehaven regeneration project, a mixed-use development rejuvenating the former docks adjacent to Middlesbrough's town centre. A spokesperson for Terrace Hill, said: "Through our two fully let Hudson Quay buildings, Manhattan Gate now provides superior office accommodation to approximately 700 employees in the Middlesbrough area. The development, part of the wider Middlehaven project, offers occupiers a spacious and welcoming environment with all the advantages of high-specification, newly built office space.”

Project Spotlight: Wellbar Central, Newcastle

Tolent Construction was the main contractor for a landmark development at Wellbar Central, a nine-storey building providing 120,000 square feet of cutting-edge office accommodation strategically located on Gallowgate in Newcastle. Sitting magnificently alongside St James Park, Wellbar Central is now one of the highest office buildings in the City and accordingly benefits from stunning 360 degree panoramic views over the City and out to the coast and the hills of Gateshead.

Designed by Lister Associates, the development incorporates the very highest specification and one of the biggest uses of high quality architectural curtain walling and natural stone cladding within the City. The attention to detail and use of the very best materials is creating a contemporary office environment coupled with an ageless beauty.

Project Spotlight: DVLA Temple Point, Leeds

Tolent completed £1.3 million design and build project creating new office accommodation for DVLA in Colton, Leeds, on behalf of client Checkhire Limited. The project also involved associated car parking, drainage and soft landscaping. As a part of the works Tolent installed a large rain water harvesting system to store grey water from the roof and reuse in toilets and shower areas.

A major leak detection system was also installed and fitted with an audible alarm when activated. The project achieved a Very Good rating for BREEAM. Whilst on site Tolent ensured that power, water, construction waste and general waste were monitored and targets for improvement were achieved weekly.

Project Spotlight: Sage Headquarters

Valued at £60 million, Tolent’s contract required the construction of 375,000 ft of office and atrium space in Newcastle. The scheme - which necessitated the use of the largest mobile tower crane in the UK during construction - is based on a collection of office pavilions linked to a central atrium space. The pavilions are said to have separate identities yet still fit into the Sage family of buildings.

Designed to act as an environmental buffer between each of the adjacent office pavilions, the atrium provides a vast communal space. The impressive structure forms the hub of the complex, opening onto two external courtyards in addition to accommodating staff facilities and a cafeteria.

Project Spotlight: Northern Design centre

Tolent completed a contract valued at £8.65 million to build the Northern Design Centre, a striking new icon on the Newcastle Gateshead skyline. Based on the prestigious Gateshead Quayside, the Northern Design Centre is the new home for the North East’s leading creative and design businesses. It offers creative spaces for the region's hottest designers, incubation units for exciting start-ups, studios for established businesses, and bespoke conference and research facilities.

The building is draped in a curved stainless steel mesh, through which massive oval windows, wrapped in copper panelling, project at angles creating visual and textural interest and drama. Internally, by contrast, much of the design is deliberately neutral to create a ‘blank canvas’ for creativity within.