Member Article

Private sector investment now following public at Newcastle Science Central

Financial services company Legal & General has submitted a planning application for the first of its grade A office buildings at Newcastle Science Central, the first significant tranche of private sector investment into what has been a predominantly publicly funded development to date. .

Designed by design practice Ryder Architecture, the 100,000 sq ft office building will create modern workspace for over 1,200 people in the science, technology and the knowledge sectors.

Set to create over 4,000 jobs, 500,000 sq ft of office and research space, and 450 new homes, Newcastle Science Central is one of the biggest urban regeneration projects of its kind in the UK.

The office building itself will be clad in steel and glass, referencing the region’s steel manufacturing and ship building heritage.

This is due to be followed by a second, adding a further 100,000 sq ft to the site. The two office buildings, along with The Core – a 27,000 sq ft space for startups and SMEs – will form the gateway to Science Central.

Rachel Dickie, Urban Regeneration Investment Manager at Legal & General Capital, commented: “This is an important step forward for this exciting city centre regeneration project, giving further visualisation to the quality and vibrancy of the urban landscape that will be created here at Newcastle Science Central in collaborative partnership with the council and the university.

“Working with leading architect, Ryder, it was important to us all that the design of this building pays homage to Newcastle’s rich history, while also embracing and supporting its technology savvy future. If planning is successful, we hope to be able to be on site by January 2018.”

Richard Wise, partner at Ryder said: “The application for planning approval for Plot 1 marks a significant milestone in the development of Newcastle Science Central. It is a clear signal of the intent and ambitions of Legal and General and the Science Central LLP.

“It represents the first significant tranche of private sector investment into what to date has been a predominantly publicly funded development.

“Ryder is delighted to be the lead consultant for the project enjoying a strong relationship with the client team and the wider Newcastle Science Central stakeholders. We look forward to delivering the next stages of the project.”