Towards a Piccadilly Circus for the North
Nov 14 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
SCIENCE City proposals could transform Newcastle into “one of Europe’s finest cosmopolitan city centres.”
Planners have revealed proposals for the new science park, to be built around the former Tyne Brewery site, which they hope will act as a “Piccadilly Circus of the North.”
The three-day public consultation is looking for views on the best lay-out of the 19-acre city centre site, set to bring up to 5,000 jobs by 2010.
The £500m project will form a new home for science in the North-East, following the then Chancellor Gordon Brown’s 2004 call for Newcastle to become a Science City.
And despite plans to bring up to 250 science-based businesses into the region, developers insist it will be more than just a “ghetto for researchers.”
Sarah Stewart, director at Newcastle Science City, said: “It’s important to us that we develop the site in a way which benefits everyone, and that is why we are having this consultation.
“We are not just looking at a science-based development here but housing and leisure facilities as well and if you want to create what is a key quarter of the city it’s important to make it a project the entire city can feel proud of.
“It’s just as important for the people who live and work here and we want to take their views on board.”
The plans do not yet have detailed building designs, with architects due to start after the initial consultation finishes.
The two big challenges facing the science planners are where roads are placed and where to build the civic centre park – an essential element in attracting people on to the site.
Kevin Murray, from architects’ consortium EDAW, said the planners wanted to create an addition to the city centre “that would not look out of place in continental Europe.
“The mixed use of science and residential and leisure will make it attractive to everyone, not just the science community.
“We will of course need a quieter quarter for some of the science stuff but there will be a civic space that everyone can enjoy.”
Newcastle City Council leader John Shipley last night welcomed the proposals.
He said: “Given how close it is to the city centre this is one of the best development sites in the UK. It will generate a significant number of jobs for people in the region and give us an impressive base from which to compete in the worldwide knowledge economy.
“Over the next 10 to 15 years we will see some incredible changes to this part of the city, and we are committed to including an iconic building to be part of the site.
“St James’ Boulevard is the entrance to the city for many people and so it is important we have first class design as we begin this.”
To find out more about Science City, click this link http://www.newcastlesciencecity.com/
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Options for key site revealed
Newcastle City Council is considering the future of land and buildings on a 17-hectare site to the east of Pilgrim Street. Three options – which will outline possible layouts, anchor stores, new streets and a range of public spaces – will be considered throughout November and December before a preferred option is selected.
This will tie in with the consultation exercise proposed for the City Centre Area Action Plan in the spring of next year.
The options will see the area’s landmark buildings retained and restored with new areas of open space created and pedestrian movement improved.
Documents will be available in local libraries, customer service centres and tourist information offices throughout the city and on the council’s website. There will also be two major drop-in events at the Theatre Royal on November 27 and December 5.
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