A major milestone has been reached in the construction of Northumbria University’s North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST), as the development marked its topping out in Newcastle.

The ceremony, attended by representatives from academia, industry, government and construction, celebrated the moment the building reached its full height — a significant step in delivering a facility set to play a central role in training the UK’s future space workforce.

NESST is a collaboration between Northumbria University, the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin, supported by £50 million of investment covering both the building and its initial research programmes.

Once complete, the centre will provide advanced research facilities, satellite testing capabilities and dedicated skills programmes aimed at developing the next generation of space professionals. It is expected to become one of the UK's leading hubs for space education and research, supporting national ambitions in the sector.

The topping out ceremony, led by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, took place on the sixth floor of the building. Guests were welcomed by a Master of Ceremonies and accompanied by a traditional piper. As part of the ritual, Professor John Woodward of Northumbria University and Gary Tidyman of Sir Robert McAlpine poured the final concrete and secured an evergreen bough to the structure, symbolising good fortune.

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Speaking at the event, Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Northumbria University, said: "The topping out of NESST is a major milestone for Northumbria, for our partners at the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin Space, and for the North East. NESST really embodies everything about the University's strategy. It enables high quality research, which will have an impact on the North East and wider. It enables us to establish new taught programmes, which give opportunities to students from our region and lead to great jobs in the space sector. And it will inspire young people in the region, so that more of them will go on to further and higher education, helping us with our ambitions around driving social mobility."

The North East has seen growing activity in the space sector, building on its industrial heritage, research strengths and emerging skills base. NESST is expected to further strengthen this position, with research spanning satellite technology, space medicine and mission-critical systems.

The project has also gained wider recognition, having been ranked sixth in its category in the inaugural fDi Intelligence Investment Impact Awards, highlighting its significance among major foreign direct investment projects in Europe.

Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space, talked about creating a hub for innovation and inspiration for the UK, in the UK: "When we first announced our intent to support NESST, our goal was clear: to create a permanent pipeline of talent, innovation and applied research right here in the UK. Today, that vision is taking shape. NESST is just one part of Lockheed Martin Space's planned investment in this area – we also have plans for a space manufacturing facility at NETPark in County Durham. By joining these ecosystems together, the North East can become an exporter of space technology long-term, continuing the proud legacy of innovation from this region."