Sky’s the limit at aviation academy

Feb 20 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

WATSON Burton is helping Newcastle College soar to new heights by advising on the creation of a new Aviation Academy building for the region.

The college’s current Aviation Academy is split between an aeronautical workshop at the college’s Rye Hill campus and an aircraft hangar at Newcastle International Airport.

The new academy is spending £3.2m to bring all its work into one building at the airport.

Newcastle-based Watson Burton property solicitor Deborah Jameson and construction partner Roddy Gordon have been involved in the many complex property and construction aspects associated with demolishing the old hangar and agreeing the design and construction of the new building.

Deborah said: “We are bringing together the functions of two sites on to one, and had to ensure that all aspects were incorporated before any agree- ments were signed.

“The Aviation Academy has been an outstanding success from inception five years ago.

“The new building takes into account the need to expand the space available to students because of growing demand.”

Roddy said: “As legal advisers to Newcastle College, we have worked with them on major new developments including the Lifestyle Academy, Sandyford Building refurbishment and the Music and Performing Arts Centre. The new Aviation Academy will be an important asset for both the college and the North East.”

The world-leading Aviation Academy has provided excellent employment prospects for its graduates, with 93% of them finding employment in the aviation industry.

Once the students have completed the foundation degree at Newcastle, they can go to take the full degree at Kingston University accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Jeff McCall, director of estates and facilities at Newcastle College, is pleased with progress on the new building. He said: “We aim to open the new Aviation Academy this September, to welcome a new year of students to the foundation degree in aeronautical engineering.

“The standards of the new academy building reflect the fact that the college has developed a centre of international standing in the aviation industry through its commitment to this prestigious course.

“Watson Burton’s advice and support has been invaluable. A bespoke development such as the academy requires specialist, consistent input from our legal team, which we have had from the outset.”

The construction of the new Aviation Academy is funded by Newcastle College, One NorthEast through the Tyne Wear Partnership and the Learning and Skills Council.