GSSArchitecture have been awarded the commission to deliver a new £50m National Innovation Centre in central Newcastle.
The appointment was granted after GSS successfully won the design competition for the latest development on Newcastle Science Central, one of the biggest urban regeneration projects of its kind in the UK.
The new innovation centre is one of the most significant recent developments in the region and is aimed at providing a range of bespoke facilities and innovative, engaging environments that are highly flexible and easy to reconfigure, with the use of carefully considered positioning to create visibility between spaces and a sense of openness and accessibility.
As home to the University of Newcastle’s teams from the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) as well as the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), the National Innovation Centre will provide purpose-built office, meeting room, event and exhibition space and bring together businesses, academics and members of the public to collaborate and support the research and development of new ageing and data products and services.
NICA works with research specialists, businesses and the public to facilitate the commercialisation of key products, services and technologies that will help people live better, longer lives due to the needs and demands of an ageing population. NICA will share the new innovation centre with NICD, who work with partners in industry, the public sector and academics to exploit opportunities offered by the explosion in digital data.
The initial designs for the building commenced in September 2016 and GSS have undertaken a world study tour and a wide range of recent research into designing for innovation. The practice is currently undertaking detailed consultation with key stakeholders, including the University and the general public, to develop and refine plans before planning application is submitted in August 2017.
Contact GSSArchitecture on 01536 513165 or follow @GSSArchiture on Twitter
External CGI of National Innovation Centre
