NEWCASTLE University and the City Council are pressing ahead with plans for a second major building at the Science Central development park.

The first building on the site, The Core, has been completed. Prequalification is now underway to find six fims to design and build a new centre to combine digital ingenuity and sustainability research with social innovation to lead advances in the development of future or so-called ‘smart’ cities.

Based in the heart of Newcastle – the former home of Scottish and Newcastle brewery – Science Central aims is to create a living lab where new technologies and systems can be trialed.

The proposed design for the USB will provide between 140,000 sq ft of teaching and space.

The principle structure is expected to be concrete frame with flat slabs over a piled foundation. It is designed to achieve at least BREEAM Excellent and will be delivered to BIM Level 2.

A main contractor will be appointed by November 2015, with completion of the build by end of August 2017.