South Tyneside-based, Castle, has been appointed to design, coordinate and install mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) services to eleven industrial units, each including office space, at North East Technology Park, (NETPark) Sedgefield.
Castle has been appointed by main contractors Kier to the project, which has a strong focus on sustainability. The project is led by Durham County Council, with funding support from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Castle’s involvement in the development of phase three of NETPark, will include environmental and carbon reduction initiatives including heating provided by high efficiency reverse cycle air source heat pumps, a 1.16 megawatt photovoltaic panel system and electric vehicle charging throughout the site as well as the full MEP services.
The buildings will provide the site with a total of 30,000m2 of warehouse and office space and will be delivered over a 44-week period.
NETPark provides a mix of infrastructure, collaborative opportunities and support for science, engineering and technology companies. It assists innovative businesses at every stage of their journey, from concept to commercialisation, with a wide choice of world-class laboratory, clean room and office space from 151 sq ft to 22, 110 sq ft.
Plans to expand NETPark have been approved by Durham County Council Cabinet, who have agreed to invest £61 million to finance the expansion, providing up to 232,150 sq ft of new laboratory, office, production and storage space at one of the UK’s premier science parks.
Andrew Dawson, managing director at Castle, said: “We are pleased to continue a longstanding working relationship with Kier on a project that will add real value and create high quality jobs. The focus on sustainability and carbon reduction is central to this project and we have a growing experience and expertise in this field, which is being increasingly utilised in a range of contracts we are currently involved in.”
Steve Lynn, operations director, Kier, said: “This project represents the ongoing importance of the North East as an area of growth for us, as well as our commitment to delivering outstanding projects in the science sector. We are looking forward to continuing our working relationship with Castle to delivering a project that will leave a positive impact on the local community for years to come.”
Headquartered in Hebburn, with a headcount of over 130 staff and offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Teesside, Castle, which has a secured turnover of £65 million in 2024, is one of the UK’s leading providers of building services, offering a wide range of high-quality engineering and contracting services, covering all aspects of building, mechanical, public health, renewable and electrical engineering.
Working across the UK, its growing reputation for the successful delivery of a diverse and complex range of projects has been built on four core values – innovation, efficiency, honesty and pride.
