Pilgrim Street sits at the historic and architectural core of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known for its impressive Georgian and Victorian buildings and its close proximity to major cultural institutions, the area has steadily evolved, balancing heritage with new uses. As part of that broader transformation, the former Barclays Bank building, which has been vacant since 2011, was redeveloped to support the expansion of the nearby Grade II listed Tyneside Cinema.
Arcas Building Solutions was appointed to carry out the construction work required to convert the bank space into a functioning extension of the cinema. This included the fit-out of a new café bar, a fourth screening room, and a kitchen installed in the original bank vaults. The project also introduced a cabaret-style screening space, designed to double as a digital art gallery during the day and a more informal cinema experience by night.
Delivering in a Live, Restricted Environment
Delivered on time, the upgraded space provided the Tyneside Cinema with a more visible presence on Pilgrim Street for the first time, helping to increase foot traffic and broaden its appeal. The expansion also supported the cinema’s ability to host more screenings, retain popular films longer, and create additional income through food and beverage services.
The project contributed to the creation of new jobs and offered a new cultural and social destination within the city centre, further supporting Newcastle’s independent arts scene.
A Lasting Impact
Nearly ten years later, the development remains an example of how older commercial buildings can be adapted for new public use. For Arcas Building Solutions, it demonstrated the company’s ability to manage technically challenging refurbishments in live, city-centre environments while respecting the integrity of listed structures.
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