The £1.5 million Quayside Studios project is transforming the historic Grade II listed Coronation Building into a cutting-edge facility designed to attract major artists, producers, podcasters and creative talent to Newcastle. The ambitious redevelopment is being delivered by Gateshead-based contractor Arcas Building Solutions in partnership with Live Theatre.
Located in one of Newcastle’s most recognisable riverside buildings, the project is expected to become a major addition to the city’s rapidly growing creative economy. Construction work is progressing at pace, with the development currently on track for completion in summer 2026.
The investment comes at a significant moment for Newcastle’s music and entertainment sector, which has experienced renewed national attention in recent years thanks to the global success of artists such as Sam Fender and the city’s expanding reputation as a cultural destination.
Historic Quayside Building Given New Purpose.
The Coronation Building has long been part of Newcastle’s historic Quayside landscape, but the redevelopment will give the landmark property a completely new role within the city’s creative future.
Live Theatre, which owns the building, is leading the project as part of its wider commitment to supporting arts and culture across the North East. The theatre is widely recognised for its innovative approach to combining cultural investment with commercial property development to support charitable and artistic programmes.
Once complete, Quayside Studios will feature four professional recording studios alongside a dedicated live recording room, podcast suites, photography and film production space, and a multimedia education suite. The development is designed to cater for both established industry professionals and emerging creative talent from across the region.
The site is expected to become one of the most advanced recording and production facilities in the North East, helping Newcastle compete with larger creative cities across the UK.
Arcas Building Solutions Leading Major Newcastle Development.
Arcas Building Solutions has taken on the full refurbishment of the historic building, carrying out extensive structural and interior transformation works while preserving the character of the listed property.
The Gateshead construction company has already built a strong reputation for delivering complex cultural and heritage projects throughout the North East. Previous projects have included refurbishment work at well-known venues such as Tyneside Cinema and Alnwick Playhouse.
Managing Director Michael Nesbit said the company’s previous experience within the arts and heritage sector has played a key role in preparing for the challenges involved in redeveloping the Quayside site.
He explained that balancing modern studio requirements with the preservation of a historic building requires specialist expertise and careful planning throughout every stage of construction.
According to the company, the project has already involved the demolition and stripping out of former office spaces to make way for the new creative facilities. A large glass facade at the rear of the building is also being replaced as part of the redevelopment, while internal areas are being fully modernised to meet industry-standard recording and production specifications.
Newcastle’s Music Industry Continues To Grow.
The arrival of Quayside Studios reflects the wider growth of Newcastle’s music and creative industries, which continue to attract increasing national and international recognition.
Newcastle is set to host the prestigious Mercury Prize once again in 2027, further strengthening the city’s standing within the UK music sector. The region has also benefited from rising investment in creative businesses, performance venues and independent production companies over recent years.
Funding for the Quayside Studios development has been provided by the North East Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Local leaders believe the project will create long-term opportunities for musicians, producers, content creators and young people looking to build careers within the creative industries.
Industry experts have increasingly highlighted the importance of providing professional production facilities outside London and Manchester, helping regional cities such as Newcastle retain creative talent and encourage further economic growth.
The new Quayside facility is expected to support that ambition by offering high-quality recording and multimedia spaces capable of serving both regional and international clients.
Global Creative Company To Occupy Studio Space.
The completed building will eventually become home to SW6 One, a fast-growing creative studio business that already works with major global brands and artists.
Its client list includes Disney and Warner Music, alongside internationally recognised music acts including Central Cee and Burna Boy. The arrival of a company with established international connections is expected to further raise Newcastle’s profile within the global music and media industries.
Creative sector leaders believe the development could help position Newcastle as a destination for high-end music production, commercial media projects and digital content creation.
The inclusion of podcasting suites and photography studios also reflects growing demand for multi-platform content production, allowing the facility to support a broad range of creative businesses beyond traditional music recording.
Project Creating Jobs And Regional Opportunities.
The scale of the redevelopment has already created new employment opportunities within Arcas Building Solutions, with dedicated project teams working on the Quayside transformation.
Company leaders say the project represents more than just another construction contract, describing it as an opportunity to contribute directly to Newcastle’s cultural and economic future.
Michael Nesbit said the company is proud to be involved in a development that will support collaboration, creativity and long-term growth within the North East arts sector.
He added that the project reflects the wider ambition of Arcas Building Solutions to become a leading contractor for technically challenging developments across the region.
As construction continues, anticipation is growing around what Quayside Studios could mean for Newcastle’s future as a creative powerhouse. With demand for professional production facilities continuing to rise, the development could play a major role in shaping the next chapter of the city’s music and entertainment industries.
For Newcastle, the project represents another sign of confidence in the city’s cultural future and its growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading creative destinations.
Join The Conversation.
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