Contract confirmed for supply of MEP services at new state-of-the-art space skills, research and development centre
South Tyneside based, Castle, has been appointed to supply full mechanical, electrical, public health and renewable services for Northumbria University’s game-changing North East Space Skills Technology Centre, (NESST).
Castle, was appointed by main contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine and the project is led by Northumbria University.
Located in the heart of Northumbria University’s Newcastle city campus, NESST is the result of a £50 million investment with partners including the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin UK Space.
The centre will directly support the creation of over 350 jobs and inject over £260 million into the North East economy over the next 30 years, immediately becoming a catalyst for the wider development of the UK space sector in the North East region.
Andrew Dawson, managing director at Castle, said: “Our thanks to Sir Robert McAlpine for placing its trust in our expertise and services. We look forward to building on our very strong relationship and to delivering an exceptional building for Northumbria University and partners.
“It is wonderful to work on a facility that is destined to provide amazing research and innovation and have a huge impact on the development of the UK space sector. The fact it will bring many hundreds of jobs is something that makes our involvement in this project all the more satisfying.”
Mark Gardham, Sector Director, Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We are proud to be playing a central role in delivering the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, a project that exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia, industry and innovation. NESST will not only transform the UK’s capabilities in space research and skills development, but also create lasting economic and social value for the North East. We’re delighted to be working with Castle and Northumbria University to bring this visionary facility to life.”
NESST will be a new national space asset that brings together industry and academia to collaborate on internationally significant space research and technological developments.
It will put the UK at the forefront of research and innovation in areas including optical satellite communications, space weather and space-based energy, and will lead the way in providing specialist education and training to ensure the UK space sector has the highly skilled workers it needs in the future.
The University’s former Wynne Jones building, which overlooks Newcastle’s central motorway, is being transformed into a prominent, iconic home for NESST. The centre, which is expected to open in 2026, will feature world-class laboratory, testing, teaching, collaboration and office spaces, and the surrounding public spaces will be extensively regenerated to create an attractive new environment.
The comprehensive scope of works for Castle includes the design, supply, install and commissioning of mechanical systems consisting of above ground drainage, domestic services, low temperature and hot water heating. There is large scale underfloor heating, ventilation and air conditioning, incoming mains, thermal insulation, commissioning and building management systems to monitor and control energy use and sprinklers. Also, the installation of a 17.86kWp photovoltaic system, covering a total roof area of circa 84.43m2 and air source heat pumps.
Electrical works include, LV installations, small power, fire and intruder alarms, security systems, lighting, including controls, earthing and bonding, lightning protection, data, induction loops and EV charging.