WORK has started on the remodelling and fit-out of property that was the first purpose-built trade union headquarters.

The £1.6 million project at Lifton House, Jesmond, Newcastle, will see the GMB trade union move back into a property that was first occupied by the Boilermakers’ Union 130 years ago.

Property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall’s in-house architecture division, SW Architecture, have been working closely with GMB to turn the vision into reality.

The commission sees Sanderson Weatherall consult on architecture, interior design, building surveying, quantity surveying, and project management.

Following its completion Lifton House will become GMB’s regional headquarters, after moving from their current offices on Mosley Street.

The space will “create a modern flexible working environment that has been designed to work in harmony with the existing historic features of the building”.

Billy Coates, regional secretary for the GMB, Northern Region, said: “The GMB is absolutely delighted in returning to occupying Lifton House, the former National Headquarters of the Boilermakers’ Union.

“Lifton House was the first purpose built Trade Union Headquarters in the late 19th century.

“It is a beautiful building in a wonderful part of Newcastle. It is fitting that the GMB Northern Region will be moving to a fit for purpose, state-of-the-art headquarters and set the scene for a modern 21st century union.”

Stephen Richardson, partner and head of SW Architecture, added: “This has been a fantastic project for SW Architecture to be involved with.

“To assist the GMB trade union in returning to one of their first buildings after all this time and to be able to restore this grand building after the architectural impact of past works in the 60’s and 70’s has filled the entire design team with immense pride”.

Works are due to complete in spring 2019.