Construction underway on £15m manufacturing research centre

Work to build a £15 million advanced manufacturing research centre at Infinity Park Derby is now underway.

Once complete, the 46,728 sq ft facility will help companies develop new techniques and processes to win work in the nuclear sector.

It will also help tackle manufacturing challenges in automotive, rail, aerospace renewable energy and other high-value sectors.

The development is being led by the Government-backed Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Derby City Council and the University of Derby.

Councillor Steve Hassall, the city council’s cabinet member for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transport, said: “Construction of the new research and development centre is yet another key milestone for this exciting project and great news for Derby’s SME businesses.

“Having this facility on our doorstep is a huge boost to the city and our economic recovery and helps cement our place as a national leader for innovation, manufacturing, and world-class research and development.”

Ralph Jones, managing director of Peveril Securities, which is the development partner for site developer IPD LLP, said: “The arrival of NAMRC to the area will give Derby a voice in shaping UK manufacturing policy, and we are delighted to be part of that journey.”

Infinity Park Derby is a strategically located 100-acre commercial and technology park with Enterprise Zone status, developed as a public-private partnership to nurture business growth and innovation.

It is situated next to Rolls-Royce and is within 20 minutes’ drive of global manufacturers Toyota, Alstom and JCB.

It is also close to a new proposed £60 million junction on the A50, due for completion in early 2025, within the South Derby Growth Zone.

For the past three years, Nuclear AMRC Midlands has been based at Connect Derby’s iHub, which is also based on Infinity Park.

It is now home to fifteen engineers and support staff, collaborating with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire companies, supporting key local services for advanced manufacturing, and developing enhanced technological capabilities.

The new facility will create a permanent base for Nuclear AMRC and become a base for the University of Derby’s Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering.