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£20m Newcastle Laboratory project gets underway at Science Central

Construction firm Kier Group has begun work on Newcastle Laboratory, the latest specialist facility in development at Science Central.

Set to provide over 70,000 sq. ft of laboratory space, the site will offer incubation and grow-on space to businesses in the life science and healthcare sector.

Firms in the region will also be able to access expert advice and industry knowledge to help facilitate growth in fitting with Science Central’s collaborative ethos.

Due to open in August next year, the initiative is funded by Newcastle City Council and the North East LEP as well as via the European Regional Development Fund.

The building has been developed by a design team led by Aura alongside architects Ryder, who have been supported by leading industry specialists including CAM-SCI, to ensure the building meets the needs of the healthcare and life sciences sector.

Procurement for an operating company will reportedly start in May to secure the right organisation to manage the laboratory and ensure an innovative and cultivating environment is consistently delivered to the tenants.

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.

“Newcastle Science Central provides the perfect home for these specialist facilities, and as the flagship location for life sciences, it provides the infrastructure businesses need to collaborate as well as globally-renowned academics and students also based on site.”

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.”

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