Creating a home for world-leading research and collaboration
We delivered the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) installation and commissioning for The Catalyst, a purpose-built facility for Newcastle University.
The seven-storey building brings together the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) and the National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory (NIHRIO), creating a collaborative environment for research, business and public engagement.
The 9,075m² facility includes Grade A office and co-working space, research suites, exhibition areas, a 175-seat theatre and public-facing spaces.
Delivering full MEP services for a complex, multi-use facility
We were responsible for the installation and commissioning of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing services across the building.
The facility’s mix of research, commercial and public spaces required a coordinated approach to ensure systems supported a wide range of operational needs while maintaining high performance and reliability.
Using offsite manufacturing and BIM to drive quality and coordination
Offsite manufacturing played a key role in delivery, with specialist installations including plantroom skids and bespoke lighting systems designed and manufactured at our in-house facility.
A Level 2 Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach was used to coordinate the majority of the works, enabling efficient design integration and improving installation accuracy and quality.
Enabling programme certainty through early engagement and collaboration
Early involvement with Newcastle University and Bowmer + Kirkland was critical to the successful delivery of the project within a 12-month programme. This collaborative approach builds on a long-standing relationship with the University, with NG Bailey having delivered projects on campus since 2008.
Supporting a building designed for sustainability and innovation
Sustainability was central to the design and construction of The Catalyst, which has been recognised as the first BREEAM Outstanding commercial development in the North East since 2013, and one of only a small number in the UK.
The building brings together academia, industry and the public, supporting the development of new products and services focused on ageing and data, and reinforcing the North East’s position as a global centre for innovation in these fields.
Delivering a platform for future research and collaboration
The completed facility provides a high-quality, flexible environment that supports collaboration across sectors and disciplines.
Through a combination of offsite manufacturing, digital coordination and early engagement, we helped deliver a landmark building that will support innovation and research for years to come.