The Lord Mayor of Newcastle has officially opened Network Rail’s £2.25 million restoration of Grade II listed arches in the Westgate Road area of Newcastle.

The eight units, which range in sizes between 872 sq ft to 5123 sq ft, provide stylish commercial premises suited to office, retail or showroom uses, located close to Newcastle Central station and within the boundaries of Newcastle’s medieval town.

Nigel Escott, head of commercial asset management at Network Rail, said: “Newcastle has a great railway heritage and we want to safeguard this but also be part of regenerating a modern working city. By investing in these Victorian arches we have created unique business premises in the heart of Newcastle.

“We hope to generate income of £1bn in the next five years from this sort of commercial activity with profits reinvested back into the railway.”

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle said: “I am delighted to see the industrial heritage of our city being used to inspire the future innovators of our region.  These exciting new premises will give businesses the opportunity to grow and enhance this historic part of Newcastle’s city centre.”

Advice was taken from Newcastle City’s planning department and the county historic buildings officer throughout the project in order to deliver a modern business space while reflecting the arches’ Victorian heritage.  In keeping with this, glazed timber framed frontages have been designed to reflect the original Victorian frames needed replacing.

Network Rail also worked closely with English Heritage and the Newcastle City Council Archaeological Advisor to protect the site during redevelopment.

Archaeological digs in the arches revealed various medieval finds including a cremation burial pot, coins and a quartz bracelet. Some roman structures were also uncovered.