Construction firm BAM has completed the new multi-million-pound, state-of the-art building for The Northern School of Art.

The £14.5 million scheme will see The Northern School of Art's college-level campus relocate from its former 1960s built premises in Linthorpe to a new purpose-built, three-storey building in the centre of Middlesbrough.

Dating back to 1870, the Northern School of Art provides a range of arts, design, theatre and film courses. The new campus building will accommodate over 750 students, from school leavers to postgraduates, and features over 5,000m2 of teaching space including studios for fine art, textiles, fashion, digital media, photography and 3D product design.

Designed by architect, Seven Architecture, the building's striking design features an exposed concrete frame and polished concrete flooring, with exposed thermal mass to moderate internal temperatures and use less energy. The building exterior features a glazed terracotta façade that references the long tradition of ceramics and fabrics courses provided by the school, whilst long vertical windows ensure high levels of natural light for the art studios. The building has been funded with investment from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority (TVCA), with support from Middlesbrough Council.


BAM, which has offices in Newcastle and has built in the North East since 1916, was chosen to deliver the scheme following a competitive tendering process under the Yorbuild framework.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "The new and improved Northern School of Art is giving students from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool access to the industry-leading facilities that they need to hone their skills and succeed in their art, design and media careers. This brilliant campus will help shape the next generation of creatives while attracting more of the best and brightest to our region, boosting a sector which already has a rich history, and opening up opportunities for more well-paid, good-quality jobs."

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston added: "The building and its facilities are awesome. The new Northern School of Art building is boosting Middlesbrough's renaissance and helping us to set national standards. Thank you BAM."

Dr Martin Raby, Principal at The Northern School of Art said: "I'm delighted with our new building and am grateful for the support shown by TVCA and Middlesbrough Council. The building provides outstanding facilities for our students now and for years to come. Whilst it is externally striking, I think that visitors are also impressed by Seven's thoughtful internal design and the high standard of the finish. BAM delivered a great building to a demanding time scale and in challenging circumstances. No client could ask for more."