More Success For "Marvellous" Quadrus

South Tyneside’s striking Quadrus Centre has triumphed in an awards scheme that celebrates the North’s best architecture and design.

Forty-five projects entered the Hadrian Awards, which recognise schemes that meet or surpass the highest standards.
 
But at a Newcastle Civic Centre ceremony, £5m Quadrus was named one of only seven to stand up to the rigorous judging.

Presenting the award, President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, Arnie Dunn, described Quadrus as “a marvellous scheme that creates a real sense of place.”

The award has delighted South Tyneside Council and The Tyneside Economic Development Company (TEDCO), which operates the building.

Councillor Eddie McAtominey, Lead Member Jobs, Enterprise and Regeneration, said: “The Quadrus Centre is an extraordinary scheme that just goes from strength to strength. It is symbolic of the new spirit of confidence, enterprise and ambition in the Borough, but it is so much more than an iconic, state-of-the-art building. It is also launch pad for new and growing businesses in South Tyneside, and it has put us firmly on the map.

“Good design breeds confidence, instils pride and helps us to attract further business investment.”

Councillor Alan Kerr, South Tyneside Council’s Design Champion, added: “The Hadrian Awards do not recognise the promise of projects, they recognise their enduring quality. They don’t value unveiling ceremonies or ribbon cutting, but instead celebrate those schemes whose opening was just the beginning. For that reason, projects must be at least one year old before they can enter.

”Quadrus has been an exciting project from the start, but what sets it apart is that it has built on its early promise, and gathered momentum.”

The Quadrus Centre takes the form of two cedar-clad cubes, housing office space managed by TEDCO, which offers support geared towards helping small to medium sized businesses to grow.

TEDCO Chief Executive, Doug Scott, said: “The partners were ambitious for The Quadrus Centre, seeking to develop a building that would be a landmark for South Tyneside at an important gateway to the Borough and we’re delighted that it has been recognised by the Hadrian Awards judges.

“TEDCO is equally ambitious for the quality of service offered by the Centre to its customers, and has made a great start by being the first company in the North East to be awarded the Customer First standard.”

The Hadrian Award is only the latest accolade for The Quadrus Centre, which was crowned the Borough’s best building at last year’s South Tyneside Good Design Awards.

Quadrus also beat off stiff competition from 200 entries to be judged “Highly Commended” by the Society of Chief Architects in Local Authority (SCALA) at their awards ceremony last October.

The concept design for Quadrus was by architects Ryder HKS and the detailed design was by Parr Architects Ltd, whilst Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd was the main contractor.

Photograph: The Quadrus Centre