News 29.11.2017

Newcastle University’s National Innovation Centre given green light

Planning has been granted by Newcastle City Council for The National Innovation Centre, the third building to be located on the Science Central site in the heart of Newcastle.

Newcastle University commissioned Gillespies to create proposals for a high-quality landscape and public realm that would establish permeability and connectivity across the site, linking the existing parts of the City to the newly developing area. The public realm for the Innovation Centre provides an inviting, distinctive and welcoming ‘front door’ for the Science Central precinct, drawings visitors into the new City Quarter and encouraging them to explore Science Central.

The design proposals provide a high-quality campus environment that is accessible, safe and robust. The proposals have an emphasis on creating a greener destination, with water and integrated SUDS playing an integral role in the forms and spatial relationships.  

The public realm is distinctive in its forms and design, and uniquely responds to the sites challenging topography. Water management, SUDS and accessibility have transformed this complex site into a vibrant and unique destination, signaling the regeneration of Newcastle.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2018 with completion in 2020.