Clouston Group delivers 40,000 sq ft of commercial space in Newcastle with £12m UTC handover

Family-owned developer Clouston Group has delivered 40,000 sq ft of commercial space in Newcastle by handing over the new North East Futures University Technical College.

Located at the city’s 10-acre Stephenson Quarter regeneration scheme, the £12m UTC campus was delivered over a 15-month period in partnership with building giant Galliford Try, planning consultancy Lichfields and Newcastle architects Xsite.

The facility will accommodate up to 600 students aged 14-19 every year, having welcomed its first intake back in October.

Included in the scheme are state-of-the-art learning facilities and classrooms, social spaces and ergonomic study zones.

The North East Futures UTC also features 10,000 sq ft of conservation space and integrates the remains of The Hawthorn Engineering Works, which dates back to the Industrial Revolution.

Stephenson Quarter was once home to the Robert Stephenson & Co locomotive works, established in 1823. The development is estimated to contribute £45m to the economy of the North East annually, with future phases expected to increase that figure to around £150m.

Clouston Group chief exec Richard Clouston said, “We are delighted to have delivered the new UTC building and played such a pivotal role in its development, from initial concept with ESFA backing through to construction and final completion.

“The campus has been thoroughly designed to support, benefit and enhance the opportunities for young people, and its location in the heart of the city centre will maximise links between education and the wider business community.”

He continued: “The project also formed part of phase two at Stephenson Quarter allowing UTC to compliment and benefit from potential new occupiers moving to the site.

“Future proposals include the sensitive restoration of several listed buildings as well as an additional 60,000 sq ft of office accommodation, and this is designed to attract ambitious, high-growth companies to establish a dynamic digital hub for creative and high-tech industries.”

Lichfields senior director Harvey Emms commented: “Lichfields was delighted to work on delivering this important scheme within such a sensitive and inspiring location.

“The quality of the team and the enthusiasm of all involved allowed the planning process to run smoothly and on time.”

In addition to Stephenson Quarter, Clouston Group’s portfolio includes Silverlink Business Park on North Tyneside. The firm has created an estimated 900 jobs in the construction supply chain over the last few years.

Last month, the North East Futures UTC announced a deal with Japanese tech giant Fujitsu to boost student skills in crucial digital sectors.