Muckle LLP experts advise Atom bank on Newcastle head office investment

Lawyers from our real estate and construction teams advised TrustPilot's highest-rated UK bank, Atom bank, in a multi-million-pound head office investment and move to the heart of Newcastle.

Atom bank is the UK’s first app-based bank and the country’s first digital bank to be granted a regulatory licence. The North East company is now investing millions in its new headquarters in Newcastle. The new head office is situated in The Pattern Shop, a heritage building where industrial pioneer Robert Stephenson built the iconic Rocket locomotive in 1829.

Investing in a collaborative workspace

With over 550 employees, the bank wanted to remain a fully flexible employer and inspire a return to collaborative office work by investing in a new head office. 

Looking to retain its links to Durham through several social initiatives and build on this in Newcastle with the move to The Pattern Shop, the company consulted Muckle LLP’s legal expertise.

Will McKay, partner, and Tom Small, solicitor, both in our real estate team led on the advice, with support from Jessica Gray, solicitor in our real estate team and Ross Galbraith, partner in our construction team. Agents at Knight Frank and global real estate services company JLL also assisted with securing the letting and negotiating the lease documents.

Aiding a seamless transition

With Muckle’s support, Atom bank submitted a planning application to Newcastle City Council with the intention of taking over the entire building, inspiring the workforce to come together and attracting hundreds of workers into the city. 

Our partner, Will McKay, said, “We’re delighted to support Atom Bank during its period of growth and help one of the UK’s leading banks further demonstrate its commitment to the region." "The acquisition of The Pattern Shop aligned perfectly with Atom bank’s ambition to invest in employee wellbeing and retention, and we were happy to assist with this multifaceted transaction."

Laura Farnworth, general counsel and company secretary, and head of the legal team at Atom Bank, said, "Muckle has been an extension of our team and a trusted advisor throughout the process of acquiring the new headquarters. The team's advice has been second to none, and their expertise has ensured a seamless transaction.

Find out more about our real estate and construction teams.