Press releases
Largest law firm in the North East chooses Legal & General's Newcastle Helix as new home
Legal & General Capital announces that it has completed a major letting with Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD), the largest law firm in the North East, at its Newcastle Helix urban regeneration scheme, a landmark 24-acre innovation quarter in Newcastle’s city centre.
16 Feb 2021
Newcastle Helix is a unique partnership between Legal & General, Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University, bringing together industry leaders, businesses, and top researchers into this internationally renowned innovation cluster. It is a sustainable urban development which combines prestigious commercial and residential space with first class research and education facilities. It is already home to many companies including leading tech and science businesses and offers flexible workspace solutions.
In a move planned for 2022, WBD's Newcastle office of around 450 staff will take up to 47,500 square feet in The Spark, a c.100,000ft² office building in the centre of the Newcastle Helix regeneration scheme. The building, which is currently under construction, is due to complete in December 2021. WBD has a strong history of involvement in Newcastle Helix and recently advised Newcastle City Council on its joint venture with Engie to develop low carbon district energy infrastructure projects, including the urban green energy scheme at the heart of Newcastle Helix.
Chris Shorrock, Investment Manager at Legal & General Capital: "This deal demonstrates the continued appetite for inspiring future-looking office space and we are pleased to welcome WBD to our growing community at Newcastle Helix. Newcastle is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, benefiting from some of the country’s best data connectivity and easy access to a talented pool of graduates from leading universities.Legal & General Capital is continuing to use its varied long-term sources of capital to support the levelling-up agenda, reshaping the urban landscape and providing the significant investment needed to help cities adapt, change and innovate. Newcastle Helix is a perfect example of bringing together a forward-thinking partnership to help deliver innovative regeneration and drive regional economic growth. We are proud to have been part of this fantastic development and we look forward to WBD taking occupation."
Councillor Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for Employment and Culture at Newcastle City Council: "In challenging times Newcastle Helix is playing a vital role in the recovery of our economy - fostering innovation, attracting businesses, and creating jobs for those who live and work in our city. We are delighted that WBD will be part of our vision to help people live smarter and healthier lives.This move signals confidence for the future and emphasises the demand for ‘offices of the future’ as business adapt to new ways of working and collaborating. It isn’t just about the quality of the design and build businesses are looking for, it’s unique eco-systems that foster collaboration and support healthy workplace cultures - making Newcastle Helix the perfect fit."
Further information
Notes to editors
Established in 1836, Legal & General is one of the UK's leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with £1.2 trillion in total assets under management1 of which 40% is international. We have a unique and highly synergistic business model, which continues to drive strong returns. Legal & General provides powerful asset origination and management capabilities directly to clients, which also underpin our leading retirement and protection solutions. We are a leading international player in Pension Risk Transfer, in UK and US life insurance, and in UK workplace pensions and retirement income. Our purpose is to improve the lives of our customers and create value for our shareholders. Through inclusive capitalism, we are investing in long-term assets, such as real estate and infrastructure, that can help build a better society for the future.
1Data as at 31 December 2023.
Legal & General Capital (LGC) is Legal & General Group’s alternative asset platform, creating assets for Legal & General Retirement and third-party clients in order to achieve improved risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders. LGC has built its capabilities in a range of alternative sectors, including in residential property; specialist commercial real estate; clean energy; alternative credit; and venture capital, which are all supported by long-term structural growth drivers, meet a financing gap, and respond to a scarcity of supply that is underpinned by enduring societal needs.