An abstract pattern of terracotta glazed tiles in regal colours is providing a colourful finishing touch to the external appearance of the new civic offices in Waterdale, Doncaster.

Nearly 3,200 tile 'baguettes', in 12 different colours, are being carefully installed on the façade of the council chamber to create a focal point for the new building. Different shades of blue mixed with some purples and the odd random colour will give the building its unique identity and make a bold statement at the main entrance overlooking Sir Nigel Gresley Square.

The 'baguettes' are square terracotta tubes 50mm x 50mm in cross section, 1.4 metres long and spaced 50mm apart. Their name comes from their resemblance to the classic French bread stick.

Terracotta is a building material with a distinguished history and its longevity and sustainability make it an ideal choice for the building. The tile baguettes are manufactured from natural robust materials, are low maintenance and extremely weatherproof.

Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, said: “The coloured tile baguettes are bringing the building to life and putting a sparkle into the Civic and Cultural Quarter. The new civic offices, the new performance venue and the soon to be opened new square are transforming Waterdale. Doncaster has an exciting future.”

The Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ) is being delivered by Doncaster Council and its development partner Muse Developments.  Cartwright Pickard Architects designed the building which is being built by main contractor Wates Construction.

Michael Broadhead, projects director for Muse Developments, commented: “Muse has developed striking and sustainable civic offices for Doncaster’s new Civic and Cultural Quarter. The pragmatic design has allowed these civic offices to be constructed for excellent value compared to other recently completed civic offices across the UK. We continue to work with our partners to maintain such high quality of design and construction across the rest of the development which is set to transform the Waterdale area.” 

The new council chamber will free up the Mansion House to open its doors to more public functions. Below the council chamber is the main entrance into the building and the new customer services centre which will see the council’s town centre services consolidated into one convenient location. This will save residents time, by not having to walk between different buildings, and is part of the wider plans to bring more people back into Waterdale and help regenerate the area.

The new civic offices are on track to be complete in September and will become the council’s new headquarters. The building will become fully operational once staff and services have moved across.

Sir Nigel Gresley Square opens as part of ‘The Big Launch’ event to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Sunday 3 June (1-5pm). The multi-purpose new performance venue will be completed in spring 2013.

The CCQ project is being part funded by the European Union, as part of the European Regional Development Fund’s support for the region’s economic development.