Derby’s bid to establish a world-class advanced manufacturing research centre has taken a step closer with the submission of a full planning application.
The application – which has been submitted on behalf of Infinity Park Derby LLP – will be operated by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC), if approved.
The new facility has been allocated in principle just over £9million of funding by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, subject to the approval of a full business case. This includes £6.85million from the Getting Building Fund and £2.2million from the Growing Places Fund.
The new manufacturing research centre is expected to create up to 70 high value jobs and will be capable of large-scale high-precision machining, fabrication and assembly. It will also become a base for the University of Derby’s Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering, which has developed an international reputation for innovation in design, manufacturing, product lifecycle management and application of new and smart materials.
The new facility, with around 5,000 square metres of floorspace, will further extend the Nuclear AMRC’s ability to help manufacturers develop and adopt innovative technologies which will deliver the maximum impact for the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
The application puts a strong emphasis on sustainability and proposals include the construction of a surface water attenuation lagoon with open grassland and scrub habitats that will be complemented by new broadleaved trees, and species rich hedgerows – providing longer term benefits for biodiversity, landscape character and adaption to climate change.
Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive, D2N2 LEP said: “Subject to the approval of the final business case, the new facility will build on the LEPs significant investment in Infinity Park and the regions reputation for advanced manufacturing excellence to help develop innovative technologies that support companies in the nuclear sector and in other high-value manufacturing industries.”
Paul Simpson, Chief Executive at Derby City Council said that the application was a good step forward for the project. “This is yet another key milestone for this fantastic project. The proposed facility is great news for Derby’s SME businesses. We hope that this will propel further Infinity Park Derby as the manufacturing destination of choice. Having a world-class research facility on our doorstep is a huge boost for the city and supports our drive to emerge stronger in our economic recovery,” he said.
