Member Article

Hotel development progress at Stephenson Quarter

A firm of engineers working on the Newcastle Stephenson Quarter project say they are delighted with the progress over the last six months.

Doxford Park-based Desco has been providing the mechanical and electrical designs for the £200 million development which is set to transform 10 acres of the city centre with new commercial, hotel, residential and retail facilities.

The first phase incorporates a 251 bed four-star+ Crowne Plaza Hotel and conference centre as well as a combined 357 space multi-storey car park and 35,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office space.

Desco is providing infrastructure studies, sustainability advice and concept designs - with particular focus on achieving BREEAM Excellent standard for sustainable development.

Desco director, George Gifford, who is leading on the Stephenson Quarter project spoke about his delight that the project is progressing successfully. He said: “Phase one of the project is now well underway, it’s great to start to see the progress that has been made and many years of design and consultancy work begin to be realised.

“Because of the nature of the location, contours in the ground and current restrictions to the site, the project has been a challenge but one which is proving incredibly rewarding as we’re starting to see the development take shape and move forward at a rapid pace.

“We are all excited by the potential the Stephenson Quarter has to transform the area connecting Newcastle’s quayside with the Central Gateway Project and the city centre by creating thriving residential, working and cultural areas and supporting the growth of the regional economy. With the development of the Grade A offices coming at a time when demand is high for high quality commercial office space in Newcastle, this is a positive move for the region.”

“Sustainable design is a vital element to the Stephenson Quarter project. We’re working within ever tighter regulations on the use of energy within buildings, we have to streamline processes to a higher degree than ever before, and we always aspire to provide our clients with an energy-saving, cost effective design that maximises sustainable, green options. “I’m delighted with the progress made to date on this project and look forward to continuing its work into the next phase of development.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .