Plans have been submitted to build a new 100,000 sq ft office building in Newcastle.

Legal & General is planning to develop the facility as the first building of the Newcastle Science Central regeneration project. Construction is set to start in January 2018.

Designed by Ryder Architecture, the office building will form part of a major development featuring 500,000 sq ft of office/research space as well as 450 new homes across a 24-acre science and technology hub on the former Newcastle Brown Ale brewery site.

The facility will be clad in steel and glass, referencing the region's steel manufacturing and ship building heritage, while earthy copper tones also link to the history of the site. Other highlights include vehicle access, disabled parking, double height reception space, a café and drop off points which will be incorporated into the adjacent public realm.

Once finished, the first building will be followed by a second adding a further 100,000 sq ft to the site. The two office buildings, along with The Core – a 27,000 sq ft space for start-ups and SMEs – will form the gateway to Science Central. The area between the three buildings will also be transformed into a public square, improving accessibility to the site and providing a significant amenity for office workers, visitors and the surrounding community.

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In June 2016, Legal & General Capital became the long term investment partner with Newcastle City Council (NCC) and Newcastle University (NU), to build and finance the development. Once completed, the building will be managed and operated by the city council.

Rachel Dickie, Urban Regeneration Investment Manager at Legal & General Capital, said: "This is an important step forward for this exciting city centre regeneration project, giving further visualisation to the quality and vibrancy of the urban landscape that will be created here at Newcastle Science Central in collaborative partnership with the council and the university. Working with leading architect, Ryder, it was important to us all that the design of this building pays homage to Newcastle's rich history, while also embracing and supporting its technology savvy future. If planning is successful, we hope to be able to be on site by January 2018."

Richard Wise, partner at Ryder said: "The application for planning approval for Plot 1 marks a significant milestone in the development of Newcastle Science Central. It is a clear signal of the intent and ambitions of Legal and General and the Science Central LLP. It represents the first significant tranche of private sector investment into what to date has been a predominantly publicly funded development.

"Ryder is delighted to be the lead consultant for the project enjoying a strong relationship with the client team and the wider Newcastle Science Central stakeholders. We look forward to delivering the next stages of the project."

(LM)