Construction work has started on a new £22.3 million research, teaching and training facility for Teesside University.

The National Horizons Centre is being built by Wates Construction at Central Park in Darlington. It will support the bioscience sector for both the regional and national industries, which includes biologics, biomedical sciences, industrial biotechnology and digital.

Housing academics and business development staff from Teesside University, the centre will also work in partnership with regional, national and international industry partners, including the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Fujifilm Diosynth, to provide specialist education and training for the current and future workforce, and to promote industry-focused innovation and research.

The facility's design features a blend of teaching, learning and collaboration spaces, together with hi-tech laboratories and a state-of-the-art computing suite. The project is part of the University's campus 'masterplan', which will see £300 million invested over the next 10 years in transforming its estate.


The project has been financially supported by the Local Growth Fund (£17.5m), via the Tees Valley Combined Authority, and the European Regional Development Fund.

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry, recently joined Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Teesside University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Paul Croney, to mark the start of the build programme.

Minister Berry said: "I was delighted to be here celebrating the start of the build of the National Horizons Centre today, which has received £17.5m government investment.

"This is the Northern Powerhouse in action because this Centre will not only be of regional importance but will be a nationally significant asset too.

"It will train our young people to become the scientists of the future and continue to drive forward the Tees Valley as a leader in research, science and innovation in the UK and the world."

Professor Croney said: 'The National Horizons Centre is the result of significant work with industry and our partners, to identify how best the bioscience sector can reach its full potential through provision of the right education, training and collaborative innovation."

Paul Dodsworth, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction Yorkshire and North East, said: "Our excellent North East team is in place to deliver the National Horizons Centre, and we look forward to working closely with our partners on what is set to be a fascinating project for all involved."

The project is scheduled to be completed in spring 2019.







Image: (L - R) Mayor of the Tees Valley Ben Houchen, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse Jake Berry and Teesside University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Croney.