Outline plans to create an 1.8m sq ft hub for the science industry in Newcastle city centre have been approved.
Science Central – a project which is backed by Newcastle city council and Newcastle University – will comprise 890,000 sq ft of commercial space, 350,000 sq ft of premises for the university, 410,000 sq ft of residential space and 270,000 sq ft of community facilities.
It will sit on the former 24-acre Scottish & Newcastle brewery site in the city centre. City development company 1NG has responsibility for delivering the project.
The 15-20 year project is expected to generate £255m of private sector investment. Science Central fits into the strategic framework outlined in the 1PLAN, NewcastleGateshead’s 20-year economic and spatial strategy.
A detailed planning application for a 60,000 sq ft Gateway Building will be submitted this summer.
Colin MacPherson, 1NG project director said: “Approval of the outline planning application is a major milestone towards realising the potential for this important city centre site – and the creation of a new sustainable urban quarter in the heart of Newcastle.
“We are pressing ahead with a clear agenda for Science Central in close collaboration with the partners, Newcastle University and Newcastle city council. Good progress has already been made, with a detailed application for the next phase including the Gateway Building, already in preparation, and construction work anticipated to start early 2012; with completion towards the end of 2013.”
Professor Chris Brink, vice-chancellor of Newcastle University, said: “The site will be a highly visible presence reinforcing our vision to further develop Newcastle as a city of science. It will be a hub where we will continue to tackle big societal challenges such as sustainability.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
