Work underway on £ 10.1 million Prototyping Centre
Work is well underway on the new £ 10.1 million Science , Technology and Prototyping Centre at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park site , on the Staff ord Road . The centre will form a new frontage to the existing science park and the three floor development will offer 4,000 square metres of space and feature high quality offices , laboratories and workshops , as well as a café and space for parking .
The project has been funded through a £ 4.9 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership , with the remaining £ 5.2m coming from the University of Wolverhampton .
Watch the fl y through of the planned expansion at the YouTube link http :// bit . ly / 1mc4jYe
Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group , the new centre will offer unrivalled specialist space to scientifi c-based businesses wanting to develop and enhance their research and development activities – a resource currently unavailable in the Black Country . The design of the building will off er laboratories of varying size and will include facilities that can be hired by the day , week or month in order to provide short-term solutions to science based businesses .
University of Wolverhampton Science Park actively encourage collaboration within its tenant community , the main circulation areas of the new building will be a “ street ” of shared workspace and atrium , which will aff ord more opportunities for interaction and partnerships .
Clegg Construction Ltd was awarded the construction contract and began work on the site in January and a ground breaking ceremony was held to mark this next exciting phase of the Science Park ’ s development .
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Oakes , said : “ This exciting new development will be the only facility of its type in the Black Country and will build on the University ’ s investment in science and engineering in the last two years . “ We already have around 80 businesses based at the Science Park and this new centre will attract another 30 science and technology-based companies right to the heart of Wolverhampton . “ It is a huge opportunity for the city and the University . We want to work with these businesses to help
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From left to right : Professor Ian Oakes , University Deputy Vice- Chancellor ; Professor Geoff Layer , Vice-Chancellor ; Ninder Johal , LEP Board Member ; Nigel Babb , Commercial Director , Science Park ; Councillor John Reynolds , Cabinet Member for city economy , Wolverhampton City Council ; and Tim Walker , Construction Director , Clegg Construction Ltd .
them grow and develop new products and processes and also give our students the chance for placements and graduate jobs . “ Job creation is a huge priority for the city and the Science , Technology and Prototyping Centre will attract new businesses bringing with them high-value jobs for the area and for graduates .” Professor Ian Oakes , who is also Chief Executive of UoWSP , spoke about the opportunities this new development will bring to Wolverhampton and the Black Country , this can be found at http :// bit . ly / 1pnspk The centre is due to be completed in Spring 2017 . To fi nd out more , contact the Project Manager , Lynsey Whitfield : Lynsey . Whitfield @ wlv . ac . uk
“ The perfect location and support for your business ”
The complete solution for businesses in the West Midlands , providing excellent accommodation and support facilities , encouraging business development and growth
Fully serviced business accommodation Superfast Broadband now available Conference and meeting facilities Business support and advice Secure 24 hour access
Cafe and catering facilities for meetings Business incubation and support packages Access to University of Wolverhampton ’ s research base Tenant collaboration and networking
OPENING SPRING 2017 - SCIENCE , TECHNOLOGY AND PROTOTYPING CENTRE
an artist impression of the new centre
A unique combination of laboratory , workshop , prototyping and office space for science and technology-based businesses
A new , high quality centre encouraging collaboration between tenants with a focus on Aerospace , Automotive , Construction and Life Science sectors . Supporting innovation in supply chain companies via access to the University ’ s resources and research expertise .
Do you want to find out more information about this new facility ? Contact Lynsey . Whitfield @ wlv . ac . uk
10 SUMMER 2016