Cooper’s Studios

We have worked with English Heritage from the earliest stages. They clearly understood our wish to retain the historic character of the building whilst creating top-quality office space. With EH’s help we have been able to preserve and restore many original features of the building such as the horse ramps and central light well. Steve Baxter, Director, Hanro Group

The former Cooper’s Motor Mart on Westgate Road, central Newcastle, is a rare witness to the replacement of the horse by the car. It was built in 1897 as a horse, carriage and cycle auction room and parking place - essentially a showroom for horses and carriages. The ‘ladies gallery’, from which animals were viewed, remains intact. By the 1920s the days of horse transport were numbered so Mr Cooper adapted the building to serve as one of the first motor car garages and dealership. To add to its interest, the building stands on top of the buried remains of Hadrian’s Wall.

English Heritage experts carried out research into the building to assess its significance and to identify important features. We advised the Secretary of State to list the structure, but took a pragmatic approach when local architects Ryder Architecture came forward, interested in creating new office spaces within the existing structure.

Newcastle City Council and the architects invited English Heritage to join pre-application discussions, where we were able to present our analysis and help identify the elements of less historic significance that could be replaced to allow the site to have a sustainable future.

Ryder Architecture produced a bold scheme that acknowledged the building’s most historically significant features and protected the site’s archaeology. Technical problems – such as how to provide natural light in former stabling areas – have been solved and the new additions are innovative, while respecting the heritage values of the building. An archaeological excavation recorded the Roman remains beneath, which are now preserved in situ for future study. The end result will be an attractive and unique new business space in a central area of the city.