Plans in for £50m space and tech centre

Northumbria University has submitted plans to build the £50m North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) in Newcastle.The proposals are for the construction of a 5 to 7 storey building, including partial re-use of Wynne Jones building in Ellison Place to create a new facility.NESST, which will be delivered in partnership with the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin, has been designed by Ryder Architecture.The building will contain spaces for Northumbria University and its commercial partner Lockheed Martin, including satellite manufacturing and testing facilities, Harvard-style lecture theatre and mission control centre and electrical and laser communications laboratories.Helen Marks, Director at planning consultant DPP, said: “We have really enjoyed working with the University and Ryder Architecture to prepare the planning application submission for this exciting project for the city of Newcastle.“The proposals have also benefitted from collaborative working with representatives from the City Council at the pre application stage which has greatly facilitated the process to date”