Legal & General (L&G), a UK-based multinational financial services company, has submitted a planning application for its first office building at Newcastle Science Central in the UK.

The building, designed by Ryder Architecture, will be clad in steel and glass. It will cover an area of 100,000 sq ft and will be designed to accommodate over 1,200 people in the science, technology and knowledge industries.

The new building will feature a double height reception space and a cafe. An adjacent public realm will feature vehicle access, disabled parking as well as drop off points.

Overall, Newcastle Science Central will involve the creation of a 24-acre science and technology hub in Newcastle’s city centre. The project will lead to the creation of 500,000 sq ft of office space, 450 new homes, and over 4,000 jobs.

Legal & General Capital, L&G’s investment unit, is the long term investment partner with Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University for construction and funding of the project.

Legal & General Capital urban regeneration investment manager Rachel Dickie said: “Working with leading architect, Ryder, it was important to us all that the design of this building pays homage to Newcastle’s rich history, while also embracing and supporting its technology savvy future. If planning is successful, we hope to be able to be on site by January 2018.”