Full Jar of Toffees
Toffee Factory is now 100% occupied. A total of 22 businesses and 130 people are now based in the building just one year after opening following decades of neglect. Following an extensive refurbishment, Toffee Factory is now a beautifully restored, multi-award-winning workspace, providing high quality facilities for a wide range of creative and digital businesses.
Initial estimates were that the building would take two and a half years to fill, but it has proved to be a very attractive package for growing digital and creative businesses in Newcastle and there is now demand for more space in the area both for new companies and for those that want to expand.
Managed by Creative Space Management, Toffee Factory is located in the heart of the Ouseburn area of Newcastle. Creative Space Management opened the building in December 2011, adding to other clusters across the UK, which includes Round Foundry in Leeds, Electric Works in Sheffield and the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre in Rotherham.
Toby Hyam, Managing Director, Creative Space Management said:
“The creative business community in Newcastle and the wider city region is thriving and we think that there is further potential for growth. Toffee Factory has been a team effort with many key stakeholders contributing to its success. But it is the businesses that must take the credit for investing in growth and taking on new staff in a very challenging economic context. We should be very proud of local entrepreneurs who have taken the risks to expand their activities and support the region.”
Hot desks and virtual offices are still available and companies interested in the area should contact the team to ensure they are put on the waiting list for offices as they become available. Meeting rooms are also available for internal hire and there is an event space for external hire with seating for up to 70 people. With the host of great pubs and eateries of the Ouseburn on the doorstep, clients are spoilt for choice.
Rob Dixon, Chief Operating Officer of Digital Spark, now based at Toffee Factory, said:
“Since relocating our operations to the Toffee Factory just over a year ago, the venue has offered us the flexibility to grow, as our business grew, from the one office space when we first moved in to the three offices we have now. The building has a real natural energy and is a fantastic working environment, supported by a warm, welcoming and friendly team that has helped us recruit the best talent as our business has expanded, both in the UK and across Europe.“
Regular social events are organised and Toffee Factory has opened its doors to feature in cultural programmes including The Late Shows and Ouseburn Open Studios.
Toffee Factory is owned by Newcastle City Council and was redeveloped with support from European Regional Development Fund, Single Programme through One North East and Newcastle City Council.
Nick Forbes, Newcastle City Council Leader said: “This is excellent news. It demonstrates the vibrancy of the creative industries in the city and our reputation for developing and attracting businesses which can grow the region’s economy, bringing jobs and prosperity. It is also a huge boost for the Ouseburn Valley which is being further transformed by a £12m investment in homes and public spaces.”
Toffee Factory won a raft of awards including the RIBA award for sustainability in the northern regions as well as best building in the North East. It also won best building in the region from RICS and was commended at the national awards as the best regeneration building in the UK.