The Pattern Shop

Constructing Excellence

The Pattern Shop is a spectacular 1880s heritage asset from Tyneside’s industrial revolution. Owned by Newcastle City Council, the long-derelict Grade II listed building has been carefully restored and brought back to life as a low-carbon, community-focused office space.

The project’s historical resonance lies in its original use as the workshop where industrial pioneer Robert Stephenson built steam locomotives in the 1800s for export around the world, heralding the birth of the railway. Just as coal-fired locomotives were at the heart of the industrial revolution, propelling economic growth, today’s digital innovation is inextricably linked with sustainably and low-carbon energy sources, as exemplified by this restored building. The Pattern Shop is once again putting Newcastle on the map as a centre for innovation and creativity.

The original building’s texture, atmosphere and industrial heritage have guided the renovation. Existing materials and fabric were retained/reused where possible. Operational carbon is reduced through a range of measures including electrical generation from PV with battery storage, and heating via air-source heat pumps. This provided an energy reduction against the existing building, calculated at 30% (106,556 kWh).

Three Winning Facts:
  1. This is an excellent example of a local authority achieving meaningful reuse of an at-risk heritage asset; creating much-needed workspace; generating community usage as well as rental income from a formerly derelict building which had become a focus for anti-social behaviours.
  2. The Pattern Shop incorporates sustainable technology, as well as low-carbon, low-energy infrastructure throughout. Operational performance will be energy-efficient and the building is on track to achieve BREEAM Very Good (refurbishment category).
  3. The Pattern Shop is the first step in the regeneration restart of the city centre’s Stephenson Quarter. It will act as a catalyst for further development, exemplifying community relations and demonstrating the location’s potential as a home for Newcastle’s vibrant creative and digital sector.