Work is set to begin this month on the CAT B fit-out, which will see a new engineering facility developed within Newcastle Helix’s The Spark building – part of a ground-breaking 24-acre site that brings together businesses, academia and researchers in an internationally recognised innovation cluster.

Best known for its onshore production of UK military helicopters and the cutting-edge electronics on-board Royal Air Force aircraft, Leonardo is set to create over 200 jobs at the new base, which will generate over £185 million of economic benefits to the region over the next ten years.

T&A will provide project management, quantity surveyor and principal designer services for the new facility, which will focus on the research, development and prototyping of Leonardo’s next generation sensing, security and vertical lift products. Work is due to complete in late summer 2023.

Colin Craig, project manager at Thomas & Adamson, said: “The Newcastle Helix development is the latest in a series of bespoke and innovative spaces we have worked on with Leonardo over a partnership spanning 25 years.

“This particular facility will provide a world-class research and technology hub – all of which requires a solid understanding of specialist engineering and research facility fit-outs. We understand the complexities that come with these types of unique builds and the environments required to foster future innovation and inspire scientific productivity. We’re delighted to be able to support this project to provide a first-class innovative space.”