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We are delighted to share that the ‘topping out’ ceremony for our Pilgrim’s Quarter development in Newcastle city centre has taken place.
The scheme forms part of the Government Hub network for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and will provide office accommodation for approximately 9,000 staff making it the organisation’s largest regional centre at 43,000m2.
This striking landmark within the wider Pilgrim’s Quarter area stands between six and nine stories high with its impressive frontage wrapping numerous streets, totally regenerating the area whilst helping to boost the local economy thanks to an influx of people using the offices.
Work began on this ambitious, complex and challenging scheme in November 2021 with the demolition of buildings above the city’s Metro tunnels, the successful removal asbestos contaminated hardcore, and the separation of an 11-storey building from its Grade II listed neighbour, Carliol House, whilst retaining its original façade.
Jim Harra, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, said: “This significant milestone brings us closer to the completion of our new regional centre in the North East. Newcastle’s Pilgrim’s Quarter will create career opportunities within HMRC’s largest office, a high quality, modern and accessible working environment, and enable us to better meet the needs of our employees and customers.”
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour, said: “It’s so exciting to see the completion of a significant milestone in the construction of this massive development which will provide top class office accommodation for 9,000 HMRC employees.”
“It’s impossible to overstate the transformational effect all these people working in the city centre will have. Shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions all stand to benefit from the boost in economic activity.”
“That all this will come from a part of the city centre that for years lay abandoned and unloved makes it remarkable and shows the incredible things that can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together.”
Chris Turnbull, Principal at Avison Young who project manage the scheme, comments. “We are delighted that Pilgrim’s Quarter continues to progress on programme to handover to HMRC in late 2025. Like everyone else, we are excited to see the building take shape and celebrate a ‘topping out ceremony’.
Paul Anderson, Contracts Manager at Bowmer and Kirkland added. “This is a proud moment for the entire B+K team to celebrate such a significant milestone on this landmark project. Our focus now turns to wrapping up the façade and preparing to commission and handover a first class building for our client.”
The ceremony was attended by its new residents, staff from HMRC along with members of Newcastle City Council along with the project’s development team.
Bowmer + Kirkland has announced a new sponsorship partnership with Derbyshire County FA, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to supporting local grassroots football across the county.
Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) has announced that it will be supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) as its official charity partner for the next two years, committing to raise vital funds to support young people facing cancer across the UK through a wide range of fundraising initiatives.
A topping out ceremony has been held at Glenbrook’s latest build-to-rent scheme, Regency Works in Leeds.
Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) will host its first fringe event alongside UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May 2026, inviting clients, investors and industry partners to connect during the UK’s leading real estate and infrastructure gatherings.
First aid colleagues across two live Bowmer + Kirkland projects have successfully completed a specialist Tower Crane Emergency First Responder training course, enhancing our teams’ ability to respond to emergencies in some of the most challenging environments on site.
