Workington’s new Innovation Centre has marked an important milestone in its construction.
A steel signing ceremony has taken place at the centre – being built on part of the town’s Central Car Park.
The steel signing is the equivalent of a traditional topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the building’s steel frame.
Once complete, the building will provide purpose-built accommodation for entrepreneurial businesses and office space.
Primarily aimed at digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses, the aim is to attract start-ups who are ripe for incubation, as well as small businesses ready for growth.
Expert support will be available to help them achieve their ambitions from operating company, Oxford Innovation Space.
It manages a number of similar facilities across the UK, working with local authorities, universities, science parks and investors.
The Innovation Centre is expected to open in spring next year.
Morgan Sindall Construction is the project’s main contractor.
Cumberland Council said the firm was taking significant steps to minimise the carbon footprint of the building.
The majority of the steel frame has been produced using an electric arc furnace, rather than a traditional basic oxygen furnace. The process incorporates around 95% recycled steel and has resulted in an estimated carbon saving of 159 tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to heating 424 UK homes annually, the authority said.
The Innovation Centre is funded by the Workington Town Deal – £23.1million of Government funding for a range of projects, which also includes a new sports village and improvements to Workington Port, as well as improved public realm.
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer, said: “The building will fill a gap in the entrepreneurial support and high-quality office accommodation available in and around Workington.
“This, combined, with the neighbouring NHS Diagnostic Centre, which is also in the process of being constructed, will transform this area of the town. They will also increase footfall to the town centre, which is great news for the local economy too.”
John Coughlan, chairman of the Workington Town Deal Board, said: “The Innovation Centre will be transformational for Workington – attracting high-quality start-ups, leading to a growth in advanced manufacturing and technology jobs, and increasing footfall and spending power.
“We are now seeing the real value of the work which secured £23.1 million for Workington and the greater region.”
Alex Isted, area director for Morgan Sindall in the North East and Cumbria, said: “The steel signing event marks an exciting milestone for the project and it is fantastic to see the progress being made on site. The whole team have worked incredibly hard to get to this point and I look forward to seeing the project continuing to be delivered to the highest standards.”
