BT, Newcastle

The transformation of BT’s NT2 building in Newcastle marks a significant milestone in their Better Workplace Programme. This £5 million refurbishment project spans 89,000 sq ft across multiple floors and represents our fourth successful collaboration with BT, following projects in Belfast and Dublin. Designed to accommodate 1,500 colleagues, the new workplace is BT Group’s largest consumer contact centre and a key part of their UK-wide modernisation strategy. Delivered with precision and collaboration, the project reflects BT’s commitment to creating future-ready, efficient, and inspiring work environments.

As part of BT’s ambitious Better Workplace Programme — the largest workplace improvement and consolidation initiative of its kind in the UK — the NT2 Newcastle fit-out project involved the comprehensive refurbishment of 89,000 sq ft of office space. This is BT’s second major investment under the programme and our fourth successful partnership with the client, following projects in Belfast and Dublin.

The works, completed between January and September 2022, included a full strip-out of existing staircases, balustrades, flooring, catering spaces, and redundant M&E plant. The redevelopment introduced a modern reception and breakout space with bespoke joinery and feature finishes, alongside new internal partitions, wall and floor finishes, and adaptations to support future AV, IT, and comms upgrades.

Key features also included rooftop plant modifications, the creation of a cycle store, and the installation of a bespoke Learning & Development Village — complete with Apple and Samsung rooms — to support BT’s training and innovation goals.

The project was delivered in collaboration with a skilled design team including TP Bennett (Architect), WSP (Structural and M&E Design), Currie & Brown (Project Manager), and Thomas & Adamson (Cost Consultant). Specialist subcontractors such as Ivegate (MEP), Abbey (Joinery), and Optima (Glazed Partitions) played a vital role in the successful delivery.

Social value was a core part of the project, with the team volunteering for beach clean-ups at Collywell Bay and supporting local charities, including an Easter Egg Collection for South Tyneside Food Bank. This community engagement added meaningful impact beyond the build.

Despite encountering unanticipated works through intrusive surveys, the team worked collaboratively with BT and the design team to drive programme efficiencies and maintain momentum. Monthly Principals Meetings ensured transparent communication and proactive issue resolution, enabling a successful handover within the tight timeframe.