An innovative scheme to convert redundant farm buildings into commercial property for the Blagdon Estate - to the north of Newcastle - is a step closer following the appointment of D.P. Builders as contractor for the £2m development to be known as Horton Park.

Designed by Newcastle-based architects Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall Ltd (JDDK), the development will involve the refurbishment of the existing buildings, dating from 1857, which are close to Horton Grange Hotel.

There will be two new single-storey, partially timber clad office blocks with sedum roofs to create five flexible, inter-linked units of some 1400 sq m.

The Grade II listed farm steading is a classic Northumbrian model farm dating back to 1857. The estate has been at the forefront of agricultural property conversions, which include the nearby award-winning Milkhope Centre.

Bob Downer, chief executive of the estate, said: "The farm steading, while unsuitable for modern farming methods and equipment, enjoys a superb position close to the A1 and airport. We knew it had fantastic potential for commercial use, but that it would have to be done extremely carefully in such a sensitive area.

"We researched similar farm diversification projects in Cumbria to see how this part of the estate could be integrated into our commercial activities.

"With urban congestion making city centre locations less attractive and broadband and other communications technology opening up rural areas for commerce, the development creates the opportunity to be able to work in a rural environment.

"Early schemes from 1998 simply didn't stack up commercially, but we did receive planning approval in 2003 and appointed JDDK in March 2004.

Their scheme mixes the refurbishment and new build very cleverly, with minimal impact on the rest of the surroundings."

JDDK director Kevin Turnbull said: "I think the development disproves the fallacy that good design is expensive.

"Utilising the mix of modern construction with sympathetically refurbished buildings, this scheme will offer tenants impressive accommodation in a superb environment."

Published: ??/??/2004