Newcastle Sixth Form College is set for a greener and more sustainable future as we prepare to connect to the city’s flagship district heat network at Newcastle Helix.
The Helix Energy Centre provides low-carbon heating and cooling to the 24-acre Helix site and is now expanding beyond its original footprint. Newcastle Sixth Form College and Newcastle College will be the first organisations outside of the original masterplan to benefit from this state-of-the-art system.
Seven of our college buildings will be powered by the network, operated by Bring Energy in partnership with Newcastle City Council. This will replace our outdated boilers with a cleaner, more efficient and lower-maintenance heating solution, helping us reduce costs and progress towards NCG’s net zero ambitions.
Leigh Scott, Director of Estates at NCG, said:
“We’re proud to partner with Newcastle City Council and Bring Energy to support investment in the city and advance our sustainability goals. Connecting to the Helix heat network is a key part of our strategic redevelopment, which will replace outdated gas systems with a more efficient, lower-maintenance solution that aligns with our net zero ambitions. As the network decarbonises, we’ll benefit from even cleaner energy for our students and community.”
Cllr Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Transport, added:
“It’s fantastic to see the Helix Energy Centre expanding beyond its original purpose and I’m delighted to welcome Newcastle College and Newcastle Sixth Form College on board to the network. This promises to deliver cost savings for the colleges, a cleaner environment for students to learn in, and a greener future for our city.”
Emma Dixon, Concession Director at Newcastle Helix - Bring Energy, said:
“We’re proud to be extending our partnership with Newcastle City Council through the connection of Newcastle College to the city’s heat network. This is a significant milestone in the ongoing development of a more efficient, sustainable heating system for the city. Work on this connection began this summer, with completion expected by spring 2026. We’ve worked closely with the College to ensure there will be no disruption to heating supply and that construction will be carefully planned around term times.”
What is a heat network?
Heat networks (also known as district heating) supply heat from a central source to multiple buildings through underground pipes carrying hot water. By replacing the need for individual boilers, they offer one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce carbon emissions from heating. Their efficiency and environmental benefits increase as more buildings connect.
Work to connect Newcastle Sixth Form College began in summer 2025 and is scheduled for completion by spring 2026.