Newark Works, the final phase, Building 4

Newark Works: A nine year partnership transforming a piece of Bath’s industrial heritage.

Newark Works is a project that demonstrates the value of long term relationships, continuity and trusted advice.

MEA has worked alongside TCN UK on the Newark Works development since 2017, providing Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Contract Administration services throughout the transformation of the former listed Stothert & Pitt industrial works.

What began as the ambitious refurbishment of a neglected and largely inaccessible industrial site has evolved into one of Bath’s most distinctive commercial destinations. Across nine years, multiple phases, changing circumstances and significant challenges, MEA has remained alongside the client from the initial works through to the completion of the final phase, Building 4 in 2026.

For MEA, Newark Works is more than a successful project. It is an example of what can be achieved when a client and consultant build a relationship based on trust, collaboration and a shared long term vision.

From derelict industrial site to thriving business destination.

When the project began, Newark Works was a very different place. Years of neglect had left the buildings suffering from water damage, vandalism, break-ins and extensive vermin and pigeon infestation. The challenge was to unlock the potential of the site while retaining the character and history that made it special.

TCN’s vision was to create a high quality commercial destination that would provide flexible workspaces for modern businesses while celebrating the site’s Victorian industrial heritage.

Buildings 1–3 were delivered between Summer 2020 and Autumn 2022. Building 4 was subsequently released for design and procurement in late 2024, with construction commencing in Summer 2025 and reaching completion in Spring 2026.

The completion of Building 4 marked the final piece of a nine year programme and brought the total development to approximately 40,000 sq ft of commercial workspace.

One of the defining characteristics of Newark Works has been the changing circumstances surrounding its delivery. Over nine years, MEA helped TCN UK navigate multiple programme changes, neighbouring developments and significant unforeseen building conditions. The project was also procured during the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, with tender documentation issued during lockdown.

Building 4 itself was deliberately deferred to allow other developments within Bath Quays South to progress. When the project was eventually released for construction, MEA was able to draw on its extensive knowledge of the site and its history to provide continuity and informed decision making.

This long term involvement has been a significant benefit to the client. Rather than bringing a new team up to speed at every stage, TCN UK had one that understood the buildings, the project history, the challenges already encountered and, importantly, the original vision for the development.

A key part of the project’s success has been finding the balance between commercial viability and heritage. The former Stothert & Pitt works is an important part of Bath’s industrial history, and the refurbishment has retained and celebrated original features including crane rails, industrial hooks and exposed structural elements.

These features have not simply been preserved; they have become part of the identity of the commercial development, creating distinctive office accommodation that could not be replicated in a conventional new build. The result is a workplace that feels authentically connected to Bath while providing the quality, flexibility and functionality expected by today’s businesses.

Newark Works is now an established part of the wider Bath Quays regeneration.

Approximately 40,000 sq ft of commercial workspace has been brought into productive use, providing accommodation for businesses within the city and helping to create a new commercial destination south of the River Avon.

The transformation has also helped reconnect an area that had previously been neglected and underutilised with the wider city. What was once an unsightly and inaccessible industrial site is now an active part of Bath’s commercial landscape, contributing to the city’s economic growth while retaining an important part of its heritage.

The value of continuity.

For MEA, the Newark Works story demonstrates why long standing client relationships matter. Over nine years, our role has evolved alongside the project, but our commitment has remained consistent. We have provided continuity through changing economic conditions, a global pandemic, phased development, unforeseen challenges and evolving commercial requirements.

That continuity has enabled MEA to provide more than technical consultancy. It has allowed us to become a trusted adviser to TCN UK, providing historic knowledge, commercial insight and practical solutions whenever challenges arose. The completion of Building 4 represents the culmination of nearly a decade of collaboration. It is a project that demonstrates the value of experience, relationships and staying the course – and a partnership that has helped transform Newark Works from a neglected industrial site into a thriving commercial destination for Bath.