Key Takeaways
- Sir Robert McAlpine has been awarded a £30 million contract for the new North East Space Skills & Technology Centre at Northumbria University.
- The facility will span seven storeys and include advanced technology for satellite manufacturing and academic collaboration.
- Construction is underway, with completion expected by autumn 2026, boosting Newcastle’s role in the UK space economy.
Construction of the North East Space Skills & Technology Centre
Sir Robert McAlpine has secured a significant £30 million contract to develop the North East Space Skills & Technology Centre (NESST) for Northumbria University in Newcastle. This contract follows a pre-construction services agreement and marks an important milestone in establishing a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance innovation within the UK space sector.
The NESST will be situated on Northumbria University’s city campus, involving the complete demolition and reconstruction of the existing Wynne Jones building. Upon completion, the new structure will encompass seven storeys, comprising a ground floor and six upper levels, and will cover an area of approximately 900 square metres.
The project benefits from investments from the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin UK Space, signifying strong support for educational and industrial collaboration in space technologies. The innovative centre will include specialized facilities such as satellite manufacturing clean rooms, advanced prototyping laboratories, a mission operations centre, modern teaching environments, and collaborative spaces aimed at fostering partnerships with industry.
Progress on the construction is already evident, with steelwork currently rising on site. The completion of this landmark project is projected for autumn 2026, further establishing Newcastle as a crucial hub in the expanding UK space economy. This investment not only supports Northumbria University’s academic framework but also contributes to the region’s growth in the space sector, positioning it as a leader in space-related technological advancements.
As work continues, the NESST is anticipated to serve as a vital resource for both students and industries, enhancing research and training opportunities while driving forward the UK’s ambitions in the space industry.
The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.
