A new Digital Innovation Centre showcasing the latest in augmented and virtual reality and 5G-related innovations will be created at Nottinghamshire County Council’s Worksop Turbine centre.

The centre will benefit from £592,000 from D2N2’s Getting Building Fund allocation which will be used to comprehensively upgrade the existing digital IT infrastructure of the centre, boosting the productivity of the more than 40 businesses already on site, and creating new high-skilled jobs.

The project is one of ten across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire which has received funding from D2N2’s £44 million share of the government’s £900 million Getting Building Fund.

The programme of investment is being used to improve digital infrastructure; support skills and career opportunities; and the transition to a low carbon economy to drive economic growth following the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

With funding secured, work has now started to refurbish the building and create the space to showcase the county’s latest innovations in augmented and virtual reality as well as providing businesses with space to trial and develop their own innovations using 5G related technologies.

Working with local schools and colleges the Digital Innovation Centre will also provide access to the latest technology to inspire the next generation of local innovators.

The investment into the Digital Innovation Centre is just the latest capital investment D2N2 has made in Worksop and follows investments into the redevelopment of the Vesuvius site and the Middletons Business Hub, supported via D2N2s Local Growth Fund.

Digital Innovation Centre

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “The new Digital Innovation Centre supports our aim of leading a 5G connectivity revolution, pioneering innovation, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. I’m delighted that D2N2 is able to support a project that will benefit the whole of our region.”

“Through the Getting Building Fund, D2N2 is investing in projects that will drive the regeneration of our regional economy, adapt to new opportunities, and create a more resilient economy for everyone.”

Welcoming the successful bid, The Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Kay Cutts MBE said: “This is a much-needed investment for our local businesses. The new centre will help create jobs, improve skills and boost our economy.

“From MRI scanners to the world’s first circular saw, Nottinghamshire has a proud history of innovation. The Digital Turbine Centre project will not only provide modern connectivity for existing businesses in the Worksop Turbine Centre, but it will also create a new Digital Innovation Centre within the site.

“The new Digital Innovation Centre will support local businesses, schools and colleges to help inspire the future generations of innovators.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Luke Hall said: “It is crucial that we support businesses across the country by equipping them with the skills and resources they need to succeed.

“That’s why we have invested £592,000, through the Getting Building Fund in the development of a 5G Innovation Hub at the Turbine Innovation Centre in Worksop.

“This project will help to level-up the local technology sector by unlocking opportunities for over 40 business and bringing new, high-skilled jobs to the community.”

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