eQ Units selected for Landmark Newcastle Community Centre

Fläkt Woods is delivering eQ air handling units for the ventilation requirements of a landmark building in the heart of Newcastle. The redevelopment of the former West Road Fire Station into a community centre, known as the Beacon.


The new building will provide a facility for local people to learn new skills and be encouraged to look at self employment and business start up as a way to a brighter future. Designed by local architect Ainsworth Sparks, at three storeys high and with a footprint of 35,000sq ft, the new building will be substantial and environmentally friendly.

The eQ range from Fläkt Woods is a modern, highly adaptable air handling unit, offering a selection of state-of-the-art features; intelligent controls, energy efficient components and a flexible design. By combining all these developments into one system, Fläkt Woods has achieved the best energy solutions possible. This strategy requires that the systems and individual components are designed together.

Included in the package are Fläkt Woods' chillers, which are designed for high efficiency at part load as well as at peak load to minimise the overall annual energy consumption.

In many applications, cooling water is needed during periods of the year when the outdoor temperature is low. By installing a chiller with a free cooling circuit it is possible to cool the water without running the compressors, which saves a considerable amount of energy and reduces wear on them. Free cooling is best suited to high water temperatures and low ambient temperatures.

The project was funded by Centre West and Groundwork STAN and part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-2013.

The Beacon

Internally the building has strong architectural features including a central glass atrium, striking coloured glass panels and complex shape.

On the ground floor, a central atrium will house the main reception and is a perfect space to act as a gallery for art exhibitions. At either side of this space are the bistro and the Enterprise Centre, which is a flexible space for those individuals just starting out in setting up their own business.

Surrounding the main area, separated by a mall, are artisans units that are glass fronted. These 12 units are workshop spaces for creative people to make and display their products which will attract the community into the building.

On the first floor is a range of business accommodation for new start and existing businesses. There are offices, a meeting room and break out spaces providing a modern and prime location as a business address.

The building also features a high quality venue for conferences and celebrations in the flexible function suite with panoramic views and outdoor balcony space.

Leading contractor SURGO Construction, has been appointed to build the £6.5million project Charitable community organisation Centre West, in a joint venture with Ground Work (South Tyneside and Newcastle).


For further informaion please contact Linden Shuttleworth on +44 (0)1206 222 555 or email linden.shuttleworth@flaktwoods.com