£50 million space centre work hits build milestone

Work on a £50 million space sector research hub has hit a construction milestone.

The North East Space Skills and Technology Centre has undergone a topping out ceremony.

Based at Northumbria University in Newcastle, say the hub – set to open later this year – will “become one of the most significant space education and research facilities in the UK”.

Overseen by the education provider alongside the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin, they add the endeavour will “develop the next generation of space professionals (and) support Government ambitions on space priorities over the coming years”.

The topping out ceremony saw Professor John Woodward, the university’s pro vice-chancellor of international and faculty of science and environment, and Gary Tidyman, works manager at construction contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, pour the final concrete before nailing an evergreen bough to the structure.

Professor Andy Long, Northumbria University vice-chancellor and chief executive, said: “The North East Space Skills and Technology Centre embodies everything about the university’s strategy.

“It enables high-quality research, which will have an impact on the North East and wider; it enables us to establish new taught programmes; and it will inspire young people in the region, so more of them go on to further and higher education.”

Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space – which last month revealed plans for a potential multi-million-pound satellite factory at NETPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham – said: “When we announced our intent to support The North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, our goal was clear: to create a permanent pipeline of talent, innovation and applied research in the UK. 

“That vision is taking shape. 

“By joining these ecosystems together, the North East can become an exporter of space technology long-term, continuing the proud legacy of innovation from this region.”

Mark Gardham, Sir Robert McAlpine sector director, added: “The North East Space Skills and Technology Centre is a project of remarkable ambition; when it opens, it will be a national space asset.”

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