Newcastle Building Society names multi-million pound community hub and new home of Newcastle United Foundation

The landmark venue will be officially known as NUCASTLE powered by Newcastle Building Society when it opens in March 2022 after years of planning and fundraising and having secured backing from supporters, investors, nearby residents, local authorities and businesses.

NUCASTLE will stand on the site of the former Murray House Recreational Centre - a five-minute walk from Newcastle United's home ground - providing a city centre hub championing excellence in education, employment, and physical and mental health and well-being.

Agreed by the Foundation and Newcastle Building Society, the name NUCASTLE reflects strong ties to both the city and its club, while providing a unique point of difference to stand out as a landmark venue in the region.

Alongside outstanding sports facilities including a spectacular 4G rooftop pitch, the site will promote community engagement for residents of all ages, from social inclusion projects for the elderly to employment-focused programmes for young adults.

Sarah Medcalf, Newcastle United Foundation Deputy Head, said: "We are thrilled to reveal NUCASTLE as the name of our new building, which will not only become the Foundation's new home, but an innovative and safe space for communities that is accessible and open to everyone.

"We are only at the beginning of our long-term partnership with Newcastle Building Society, but their involvement with the project so far has been incredible and we all look forward to seeing what the next six years will bring."

Newcastle Building Society announced a six-year partnership with Newcastle United Foundation in July, becoming the charity's Regional Community Partner and investing £1.1 million into the NUCASTLE project.

The partnership supports the Society's long-term commitment to its communities, including help for people across the region recovering from the impact of Covid-19, with a special focus on tackling youth unemployment in the North East.

Alongside a number of significant investors including North of Tyne Combined Authority, the building society is supporting NUFutures - the Foundation's flagship programme launching in the new facility which will target thousands of schoolchildren and young adults not in education, employment or training across the North of Tyne.

Newcastle Building Society's Chief Executive, Andrew Haigh, said: "We're proud to be powering this amazing new facility in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation. Now more than ever, it's vital that we invest in the future of our local communities and help people change their lives for the better.

"Announcing the name of the building is just the start of an exciting journey and thanks to the fantastic work of the Foundation, NUCASTLE will offer a lifetime of opportunity to people across the region and I'm sure will stand as an inspiring landmark in the city for generations to come."

Under the partnership agreement, Newcastle Building Society will also use the facility to host staff and customer events, as well as several Community Financial Education Sessions to be jointly presented with the Foundation.

Annual seminars for participants of the Foundation's employability programme will also be hosted by the building society at NUCASTLE, encouraging young people to develop their business skills and preparing them for the workplace.

With building work expected to commence in November 2020, the Foundation and building society partnership will help to create a number of jobs associated with the major redevelopment.

More than 120 members of staff at the Foundation will use the new facility as their office, which integrates seamlessly into community space including the 4G rooftop pitch offering views of St. James' Park, as well as innovative classrooms, high-tech digital hub, four-court sports hall, smart fitness suite and accessible changing areas, event and meeting spaces.