In 1982, Sterling Winthrop, an American pharmaceutical company, opened a research centre on Willowburn Avenue. The initial building was designed by Gateshead based architectural practice, Ronald Chipchase and Partners (who incidentally went on the design the first phase of Sir John Hall’s Metrocentre).
The original building design has been likened to works by the famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
The main building houses the pharmacy fittings from Newbiggin’s shop on Narrowgate.