Landlord Strip Out & Enabling Works at Flat Iron, Grey Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Strip out of former Co-operative Bank and service upgrades to facilitate new Tenant fit-out works
Highlights
Client: RPU Group
Location: Norfolk House, Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Brief: Design, tender and manage the Landlord strip out works and service upgrades of an existing Grade ll Listed commercial property on Grey Street in order to allow the smooth transition and facilitation for an incoming Tenant and their fit out.
Role: Method Building Consultancy were appointed to oversee the design and management of the works process.
Outcome
The project delivered a 3,000ft² commercial unit across the ground and part first floor to a shell and core specification, complete with an upgraded power supply. This allowed Flat Iron Steak to take possession and commence its fit-out works immediately following completion, without the need for any enabling or strip-out works, ensuring a seamless transition and supporting an accelerated opening programme.
About RPU Group
RPU Group is a Newcastle-based property investment and development company with a long-established track record in acquiring, developing, and managing commercial real estate. The business actively invests in and enhances property assets across the UK, delivering value through development, asset management, and strategic leasing initiatives.
About Flat Iron Steak
Founded in London by Charlie Carroll in 2012, Flat Iron has built a strong reputation for serving high-quality, affordable steak in carefully restored restaurant settings. The business now operates restaurants across London and major UK cities including Manchester, Leeds, Cambridge, Brighton, Bristol and Newcastle. Backed by new investment, Flat Iron’s ambitions include continued UK expansion and entry into international markets.
The Challenge
RPU Group sought to repurpose the ground and part first floor of Norfolk House, which is a Grade ll Listed Building, located on Grey Street in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. The space was formerly occupied by the Co-operative Bank and their fit out remained. The key challenge was delivering a comprehensive strip-out and reinstatement of the existing space while respecting the constraints associated with a listed building and upgrading the building’s power infrastructure to satisfy the tenant’s operational requirements.
Our Approach
By considering the existing fit out, Method provided advice on the suitable works necessary for the suitability of Flat Iron’s requirements. By designing and successfully coordinating the strip-out, utility upgrades and shell and core works, the project delivered a fully prepared commercial unit ready for immediate fit out.
What We Delivered
- Shell and core space, open plan configuration
- New full height entrance door and separate bi-fold doors to the front elevation
- Fire rated and insulated ceiling
- Level floor plate throughout
- Upgraded power supply
- Compliance with Building Regulations and Listed Building Consent
The Outcome
As a result of the works, Flat Iron Steak were able to commence their fit-out works immediately following handover, eliminating programme delays, reducing risk and facilitating a smooth route to opening.
The Value to RPU Group
- Secured a high-profile occupier for the asset.
- Protected rental income through timely delivery.
- Satisfied obligations under the Agreement for Lease.
- Enhanced asset value through infrastructure upgrades and commercial lease agreement.
- Upgraded power capacity for modern occupier requirements.
- Repurposed redundant space into income-producing space.
- Improved long-term marketability of the commercial unit.
- Reduced programme and occupational risk.
- Mitigated constraints associated with listed building works.
- Delivered a tenant-ready unit on programme.
- Facilitated immediate commencement of tenant fit-out.
- Strengthened landlord and tenant relationship from outset.
- Removed redundant banking infrastructure and services.
- Increased flexibility for future commercial occupation.
- Enabled earlier occupation and faster income generation.
How this project shows why Commercial Property Clients Choose Method BC
- Specialist in commercial property projects.
- Deliver tenant-ready space on programme.
- Protects rental income through timely delivery.
- Navigate complex listed building constraints effectively.
- Aligns landlord works with tenant requirements.
- Resolves challenges with practical commercial solutions.