EXCHANGE PLACE, MIDDLESBROUGH

Work is well underway on this Victorian building restoration in Middlesbrough, with important façade conservation works taking place at 2–3 Exchange Place. The Grade II listed building dates from the 1870s and gained listed status in the late 1970s.

Historic England and Middlesbrough Council are helping to fund the conservation works through a High Street Heritage Action Zone Grant. As a result, the project forms part of the wider effort to protect and revitalise Middlesbrough’s historic town centre.

Located next to Middlesbrough railway station, this grand Victorian building urgently required restoration. Historically, the site stood at the heart of Middlesbrough’s thriving manufacturing and trading activity during the late 19th century. However, like many nearby properties, it subsequently stood empty and partly derelict for a number of years. Most recently, a vodka bar and dance club occupied the building. Today, the property sits within an important area of the town’s ongoing regeneration.

Brick and stone form the main structure, while decorative encaustic tile dressings add character to the elevations. A traditional Welsh slate roof completes the building. At ground-floor level, segmental stone-arched windows feature granite colonnettes, square pedestals and capitals. Meanwhile, the first floor incorporates similar detailing, together with round arcading and paired casement windows beneath shared arches.

In addition, an ornamental Celtic cross roundel adds further interest to the façade. At second-floor level, a combination of single, double and triple casement windows sits within colonnettes and moulded stonework. Above these, a prominent gabled dormer contains four round-headed windows. Other notable architectural details include moulded sill courses and a bracketed eaves cornice.

The first phase of the restoration aims to make the building weathertight while preserving its historic character and important architectural features. Commerce Chambers Limited is leading the project and plans to transform the property into premium serviced office accommodation. Once complete, the development will complement its nearby Commerce House offices in Exchange Square. Furthermore, the proposals include retail or restaurant accommodation at ground-floor level, helping to bring further activity back to this important part of Middlesbrough.

JCA Consulting is providing Quantity Surveying services for the project. Our team is supporting the careful management of costs throughout the restoration, while helping to balance the commercial requirements of the development with the conservation of this significant Grade II listed building.

JCA is acting as Quantity Surveyor for the project.