Technology designed to support smarter building management is now being tested across multiple buildings at Newcastle Helix as part of Project WILSON, funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe. Project WILSON is a major European research and development initiative bringing together property professionals, universities and research organisations from across Europe.
Broadoak Asset Management is working alongside Newcastle University and project partners to test a range of AI-enabled tools developed through the project, with the Newcastle Helix pilot focusing on predictive maintenance.
The technology is being trialled across The Core, The Spark and the Urban Sciences Building, allowing researchers and industry partners to assess its performance in a live operational environment.
Predictive maintenance uses building data to provide a clearer understanding of how systems and equipment are performing. By helping operators identify early signs that maintenance may be required, and providing greater confidence when assets are continuing to perform as expected, the technology has the potential to support a more proactive approach to building management.
For building owners and occupiers, that could mean reduced downtime, fewer unexpected disruptions, more efficient maintenance planning, lower levels of waste and improved asset performance over time.
Fergus Trim, Director at Broadoak Asset Management, said:
“We have reached the half way stage of Project Wilson and the AI enabled tools developed over the last 2 years are now being put into action in a test bed scenario across multiple buildings at Helix. These tools will help reduce waste and drive efficiencies in building asset management. Being at the forefront of this new technology is a great example of innovation in action at Newcastle Helix.”
The testing phase marks an important step in moving the project from research into real-world application. By understanding how these technologies perform in operational buildings, project partners can explore how digital tools could support the future management of commercial property portfolios.
The project also demonstrates the value of collaboration between industry and academia, combining Broadoak’s expertise in property asset management with Newcastle University’s research capabilities and knowledge from project partners across Europe.
As part of this ongoing work, Fergus Trim and John Seager will attend PropTech Connect Europe in September, where they will represent Project WILSON and learn more about emerging technologies shaping the future of the built environment.
Fergus added: