Member Article

£50m Business School development officially opened

The Newcastle University Business School on Barrack Road has been officially opened, as part of a development set to rejuvenate the heart of the city centre.

The building, which won the Lord Mayor’s Design Award 2011 for ‘best new building’, will unite the university’s research, teaching, enterprise and innovation activities under one roof.

The £50 million development comprises of state-of-the-art lecture theatres, social areas, a cafe and areas specifically dedicated to undergraduates, MBA students and staff. The top floor of the building also includes an engagement space for businesses.

A commemorative plinth to mark the opening was unveiled by Lord Burns, Chairman of Santander UK and Professor Chris Brink, Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University.

Newcastle University Business School’s Director, Professor Ian Clarke, believes that the location of the building will allow the school become a gateway to Newcastle Science City and Science Central when they are eventually completed.

He said: “Newcastle is popular with students and faculty because it’s near the city centre, but more importantly, the new building sits alongside the future development of Newcastle Science City and Science Central behind this building on the old brewery site.

“The best science in the University and the best spin out businesses are going to be in this area, and our new location at the heart of Newcastle’s centre of business and commercial development is very fitting for a forward thinking institution.”

He hopes that the buildings location will also help the School’s 2,800 students and academic staff to further engage with the local business community, whilst also building on the University’s strong reputation for academic excellence.

“After speaking to staff and students, one of the key things they like is that it’s right next door to the city centre as it makes us business accessible, so it’s easy for them to come in and join us.

“When you look at the role Universities play in encouraging people to stay and economic development, Newcastle is no different.

“Having a healthy business school is a key part of that and when some of our students choose to stay and get experience in the City, they can offer a real benefit to business.”

Lord Burns, Chairman Santander UK added: “Newcastle University is one of UK’s most prestigious higher education institutions.

“By opening this new building the university is sending a clear message to all of us: that it is in less buoyant economic times when investment is needed most.

“I am convinced that this Business School will benefit immensely from these impressive new facilities and it will soon become a reference for other universities in the UK and abroad.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .