22/6/2008 Sir Bobby Robson kicks-off brewery demolition

A series of explosions rocked Newcastle today (22nd June) heralding the most significant demolition the city has ever seen.
A cache of explosives weighing a massive 250kg reduced the former Scottish and Newcastle Brewery Bottling Plant to a mountain of rubble, making way for construction work to begin on the 600,000 sq ft Downing Plaza development.
Former England and Newcastle manager, Sir Bobby Robson, pressed the plunger to begin the early morning blasts.
The demolition is the latest milestone in property group Downing’s £200m mixed-use scheme - the largest planning application to be granted in Newcastle since 1973.
Once the debris is cleared, the site will be transformed into six new iconic buildings, featuring 200,000 sq ft of offices, a 183-room hotel, a 462-bed student village and extensive retail space.
Paul Houghton, director at Downing, said: “Downing Plaza will make an exceptional addition to Newcastle’s built environment and we are delighted that such a local legend as Bobby Robson could be involved in marking this key milestone.

“Downing has been associated with this site for a number of years and it is exciting to see our vision coming to fruition.”
Business and civic leaders joined Downing and main contractor Tolent to watch the explosion from a special viewing area. Demolition contractor the Controlled Group carried out the operation, following careful planning, just after 9.30am.
The blasts were followed by a presentation of £20,500 to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, raised by Downing, Tolent, Controlled Group and Downing Plaza’s anchor tenant Newcastle University Business School (NUBS).
In February Downing Plaza achieved the city’s largest commercial pre-let when Newcastle University Business School took 100,000 sq ft. Downing has now confirmed that it is in advanced talks with the Accor Group to operate a 183-bed Novotel in the development.

Professor John Leopold, acting director of Newcastle University Business School commented: “As the anchor tenant for this prestigious development it is very exciting to see things take shape on the site. Set to house our new flagship headquarters, our move to the new building is a milestone for the Business School, reflecting our desire to offer first class facilities to support students and businesses.”

Downing Plaza’s six landmark buildings have been designed by Ian Simpson Architects and are all clad in modern iconic materials including steel and glass.