Clugston begins £39M Newcastle University scheme

Artist’s impression of the new state-of-the-art learning and teaching centre development at Newcastle University

Clugston Construction has begun work on a new state-of-the-art learning and teaching centre for Newcastle University.

The scheme, which is due to open at the beginning of 2020, provides new teaching facilities for sport and exercise science, human nutrition, the School of Psychology, as well as specialist facilities for the School of Medical Education.

A brand new, 9,000sq m, six-storey building, the learning centre will house a lecture theatre for 300 students, social learning spaces, seminar rooms, clinical suites, and academic and postgraduate offices.

The scheme itself was procured through the North East Universities Major Capital Projects Framework, established in 2017, and will be delivered by Clugston, led by GSS Architects.

The deisgn team has been involved in regular engagement sessions with the University and a group of key stakeholders from the Faculty of Medical Sciences from the outset of the project.

The new facility represents the last phase of the development of this key University site, which includes a new Sports Centre which is currently under construction.

Rod Fry, construction director at Clugston Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working with Newcastle University to deliver such an innovative project. The collaborative approach adopted by the University has enabled all parties to contribute to developing the state-of-the-art facility. Over the coming weeks, we will be engaging with our suppliers to deliver what we know will be a valuable resource for the University, its staff and students.”

Emma Stevenson, professor of sport and exercise science at Newcastle University, added: “This exciting new project is part of Newcastle University’s £500m investment in quality facilities that deliver an outstanding student experience and an excellent environment for our students’ learning, teaching and research.

“This new facility will be used by the whole University, promoting the development of cross-disciplinary research and teaching in sport and exercise science, psychology and nutritional sciences.”

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