£500m age research and care development proposed by Newcastle University

A £500m development supporting the understanding, care and innovation of products and services for an ageing population has been given the go ahead in Newcastle.

The regeneration of the former General Hospital site, on Westgate Road in Newcastle’s West End, will help people live longer and healthier lives through global leadership in ageing and research.

Led by Newcastle University, the application for the development was endorsed by the City Council’s planning committee (February 25th).

The planned development, which will take approximately 10-years to complete, will link research and innovation across the whole 29-acre site and provide unique solutions for living, leisure, learning and employment as we age.

Professor Chris Day, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University said: “This incredible vision will establish our site as the world’s premier centre for healthy ageing and living.

“It will bring together the three pillars of Health, Wealth and Wellbeing. We are delighted we can go ahead with our exciting plans to put ageing and health at the heart of a flourishing community which will bring together research, innovation, commerce and living.”

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Place at Newcastle University said: “By 2040, one in seven of us will be aged 75 or over. The Campus for Ageing and Vitality will be a global exemplar for healthy ageing, enabling people to live longer, healthier lives.

“Building on our key strengths, including the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, we are bringing together world-leading academics, industry, public sector and local communities to help find solutions to complex challenges of an ageing population and maximise the economic opportunities of global longevity economy.”

Newcastle University has selected Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd (GKRL) as the preferred bidder for the principal development partner and working towards entering a joint venture agreement, expected at the end of March.