This major regeneration project presents a significant opportunity to expand and consolidate Newcastle’s urban core, ensuring that the city becomes a premier location for sustainable science research. Through new and innovative approaches to collaboration between the University of Newcastle and local and international businesses, Science Central’s vision creates a ‘city of science’ and a vibrant urban quarter which will encompass commercial, retail, leisure, education, research and residential uses.
The former Newcastle Brown Ale brewery forms the heart of the development. The university plans to locate its sustainable science departments alongside business partners on the site with the aim of encouraging links between education, research and commercial provision. Acting as a beacon to encourage further investment in the area, the development is inviting to all user groups - academic and commercial neighbours will be located next to houses and apartments, student accommodation and leisure and retail facilities, all of which will be fully integrated with the surrounding community via a network of new routes and spaces which connect to the city’s existing street patterns. Currently cut off from the centre by a city-wide traffic artery,
The area will be opened up with the improvement of key pedestrian links through the city, creating a legible, people-friendly environment.The masterplan has been designed to be phased and flexible in order to accommodate changing economic conditions. The proposals focus on high levels of environmental quality and excellent use of natural resources, with the initial phases demonstrating how cities can prepare for a zero carbon future.
