Architect selected for major urban regeneration scheme



Legal & General Capital (LGC) has selected an architect for an office development at Newcastle Science Central, one of the largest urban regeneration projects of its kind in the UK.


International design practice Ryder Architecture will deliver the first of two grade-A office buildings, which combined will provide over 200,000 sq ft of new workspace for the city.

The offices will form part of the £350m Newcastle Science Central project, which is being developed in partnership with Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University.

The scheme will convert a former brewery that produced Newcastle Brown Ale into a 24-acre science and technology hub.

Richard Wise, partner at Ryder, said: “Building A promises to deliver a high-quality, timeless piece of architecture, which will provide unique, much-needed flexible office space on one of the most prominent gateway sites in Newcastle.

“It will set the tone for the subsequent developments [and] Ryder is delighted to have this opportunity to build upon the success enjoyed to date on Science Central.”

Newcastle Science Central will create over 4,000 jobs, 500,000 sq ft of office space and 450 new homes.

LGC became a long-term investment partner in the project alongside the council and university in June 2016.

Laura Mason, director of direct investments at LGC, said: “Forming a significant next step in this major city-centre regeneration project, the delivery of the grade-A office space will help to act as an important catalyst for further investment in Newcastle Science Central.

“With a proven track record in cutting-edge, quality design, and experience working with the team on the laboratory facility, we feel confident that Ryder is the right firm to help us achieve our vision.”

Founded in 1953, Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture now has teams in London, Glasgow and Hong Kong.



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