Sir Robert McAlpine has been selected as the main contractor for the construction of the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) at Northumbria University in Newcastle, England, UK.
Following a preconstruction services agreement, the £30m ($39.47m) contract covers the demolition of the existing Wynne Jones building, along with the construction of a new facility and an extension at the heart of the university campus.
The centre will feature a new ground floor and six upper levels, covering approximately 900m².
It will house facilities such as satellite manufacturing clean rooms, advanced prototyping laboratories, a mission operations centre, and shared workspaces for engagement with companies in the space manufacturing supply chain.
Construction is ongoing, with steelwork installation in progress and completion anticipated in late 2026.
Upon completion, NESST is expected to foster collaboration between industry and academia in space research and technology, creating more than 350 jobs and contributing over £260m ($339.41m) to the North East England economy over three decades.
The project has received significant funding from the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin UK Space.
Northumbria University pro vice-chancellor (International) Professor John Woodward said: “The appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine marks an exciting milestone in the development of NESST. The centre will be a game changer – not only for our students and researchers, but for the region’s ambitions in the space and advanced manufacturing sectors.
“By combining cutting-edge facilities with strong industry partnerships, we’re creating a centre that will drive innovation, boost economic growth, and put the North East firmly on the map as a leader in space technology.”
Sir Robert McAlpine sector director Mark Gardham said: “We look forward to continuing our longstanding, successful relationship with Northumbria University and delivering this state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Newcastle.
“Our team of experts bring the engineering excellence necessary to work in such close proximity to vital transport infrastructure, collaborating closely with our supply chain partners and local stakeholders to deliver the project safely and efficiently, and make a positive impact on the local community.”
Earlier in January this year, Sir Robert McAlpine was chosen by Tata Steel as the main works contractor for a £1.25bn investment in low-carbon steelmaking at the Port Talbot steelworks in the UK.
