Seven Stories Visitors Centre

We were appointed as main contractor for the refurbishment of Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, located in the Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne.

This significant project formed part of a wider initiative to revitalise the venue in celebration of a major anniversary. The works aimed to enhance the visitor experience, introduce new exhibitions, and improve the overall functionality and energy efficiency of the building. The project supported Seven Stories’ continued mission to inspire children and families through literature, learning, and creativity.

Kate Edwards, Chief Executive of Seven Stories, said:

“We planned a major refurbishment, building new exhibitions and making our Visitor Centre even more welcoming. In the future, there will be more opportunities to enjoy our wonderful collection – everyone who visits Seven Stories will have a great day.”

After a planned three-month closure, Seven Stories reopened on programme, unveiling a fully refurbished Visitor Centre complete with new exhibitions and activity areas. Extensive works were carried out across all levels of the building, with the team working to a tightly managed programme to ensure the venue could welcome back visitors in time for the summer holiday season.

Since first opening its doors in 2005, Seven Stories has welcomed over 700,000 visitors and established itself as a leading cultural destination in the North East. The refurbishment marked a major investment in the building’s future, aimed at creating a more magical and enjoyable experience while also improving the venue’s environmental performance. The project was made possible through generous support from Arts Council England and several trusts and foundations.

Kate Edwards added:

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the many people who made our refurbishment possible. When we opened 10 years ago, we didn’t imagine the impact that we would have on children and families in the North East and beyond. The full team have worked with Northern Bear to ensure the project was delivered to the high standards required within the very tight time.”

The location of the building in the Ouseburn Valley posed significant logistical challenges, with limited site access throughout the construction period. All works and deliveries required careful micro-planning and coordination by the Northern Bear site team to keep the project on schedule and minimise disruption.

Despite these challenges, the project was delivered on time and to a high standard, allowing Seven Stories to continue offering a unique and inspiring experience to children, families, and visitors from across the region and beyond.