£20m science hub construction begins
16 Jun 2017 by Evoluted New Media
Construction giant Kier has begun work on a new laboratory building at Newcastle’s Science Central.
Construction giant Kier has begun work on a new laboratory building at Newcastle’s Science Central.
The £20m project will see the design and construction of a new 77,000 sq ft laboratory building facility for Newcastle Council.
Pat Ritchie, chief executive of Newcastle City Council, said: “"Newcastle has a thriving life science and healthcare sector which is rapidly expanding, and there's a shortage of specialist laboratory space in the city. Newcastle Laboratory will provide this flourishing sector with the much needed specialist facilities - enabling life science organisations to continue growing, innovating and producing pioneering research and products.”
The building is expected to open in August 2018 and will have both incubation and grow-on capacity to meet the needs of businesses in the life science and healthcare sector. Procurement for an operating company began last month to secure management for the laboratory, which has been designed by building consultancy Aura and Newcastle architects Ryder.
Brian McQuade, managing director of Kier Construction Scotland and North East, said: “We’re looking forward to delivering this new bespoke laboratory facility, building on our expertise in the biotech sector. Kier has extensive experience delivering research facilities and we’re proud to be providing the latest addition to Science Central development as it continues to expand.”
Newcastle Science Central is based in the centre of the city and will provide 500,000 sq ft of office space. The Laboratory is being funded by Newcastle City Council, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership as well as through the European Regional Development Fund.
