Newcastle set to turn up the volume

A cultural project in Newcastle is moving ahead after plans for “world-class” music studios were approved.

New multi-million-pound recording studios will now be created on the Quayside, marking the third significant music development in Newcastle this year following on from the MOBO Awards in February and the Mercury Prize Awards last month.

The state-of-the-art complex, which will be located within the historic Coronation Buildings, a Grade II-listed Edwardian property that was previously used as offices until this summer, will include a suite of recording studios, editing rooms, podcasting facilities and collaborative spaces designed to support both emerging and established artists.

Led by music development agency Generator’s long-term vision to enhance the North’s creative infrastructure, the project builds on years of work to secure facilities for musicians and creatives across the region. 

Mick Ross, chief executive of Generator, said: “Generator has spent years leading the charge to bring world-class music moments into the region – from the MOBO Awards to bringing the Mercury Prize here for its first-ever year outside London.

“Those landmark moments didn’t happen by accident.

“They came from strategic partnerships with the City Council, Combined Authority, long-term vision, persistent advocacy and an unshakeable belief in what Northern talent can do on the global stage. 

“Today’s announcement builds on that momentum.

“Through Generator’s longstanding partnership with Warner Music, we’re now developing a world-class studio right here on the Quayside – exactly the kind of infrastructure the region has needed for decades.

“This is more than a building.

“It’s a statement of intent: talent from the North no longer needs to leave to succeed.

“Generator is proud to be driving that future.” 

Funded through £1.8 million from the North East Combined Authority with additional support from Newcastle City Council, the development aims to strengthen national and international links while increasing the region’s capacity for high-level recording. 

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “This is fantastic news.

“These amazing studios will provide our up-and-coming talent with the very latest music technology to make great music, launch careers and put the city on the map.  

“Artists will no longer need to go to Manchester or London for the best facilities, they will have them right here in Newcastle.  

“After hosting the Mercury Prize Awards and the MOBOs Newcastle really has burst onto the international music stage.

“Building these studios on our beautiful quayside will help keep it that way while providing endless opportunities to make dreams come true.”  

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “Seeing music being recorded on the banks of the Tyne will send a strong message to our artists making music across the region – you can do it here.

“I’m really excited to see what new talent will follow in the footsteps of homegrown stars like Sting, Jade Thirlwall and Sam Fender.

“This studio forms part of my vision to give the North East the place it deserves on the global music map, and shows we are investing to create real opportunity for new generations of talent.”

The planning application was submitted by North East Theatre Trust Ltd, better known as Live Theatre, as part of wider efforts to grow the region’s cultural and economic footprint.

Jacqui Kell, chief executive of Live Theatre, added: “Transforming Coronation Buildings into world-class music, podcast and creative studios is an incredibly exciting step for Live Theatre.  

“This development strengthens the cultural and creative hub we’ve been building on the Quayside across our property portfolio and opens the door for new talent to thrive right here in Newcastle.  

“We’re proud to play our part in growing the region’s creative economy and ensuring that artists have the space, the tools and the ambition to succeed.” 

Construction is already underway, with the studios expected to open in April 2026.

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