£15m nuclear research facility moves closer
Derby’s bid to establish a £15 million advanced manufacturing research centre has taken an important step closer.
Derby City Council has approved plans to deliver the new facility at Infinity Park Derby with its partners Nuclear AMRC, the University of Derby and IPD LLP, with additional funding from D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Creating up to 70 high value jobs, it will be operated by Nuclear AMRC, part of the national High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which helps companies develop new techniques and processes to win work in the nuclear sector.
It also helps tackle manufacturing challenges in automotive, rail, aerospace renewable energy and other high-value sectors.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, the city council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We’ve reached another key milestone for this fantastic project and we can continue to build on the progress into the New Year.
“It’s great news for Derby’s SME businesses and we anticipate that this will propel further Infinity Park Derby as the manufacturing destination of choice.”
The next stage for the Manufacturing Research Centre (MRS) will see a planning application submitted in February, with work on site expected to begin in August.
Upon completion, the 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.
According to the city council, the facility is expected to add £52 million to the Derby economy across a five-year period, supporting SMEs in the area to grow by creating opportunities for research and development.
Mr Holmes said: “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.”
Andrew Storer, chief executive of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “I’m delighted to move a step closer to creating a new permanent home for Nuclear AMRC Midlands.
“There will be huge opportunities for the region’s manufacturers as the UK moves to net-zero emissions by 2050, and we will work closely with companies of all sizes to help them join the supply chains for small modular reactors, fusion power and hydrogen generation.
“The new facility will also allow us to work with companies in other sectors such as aerospace and rail to help them overcome the manufacturing challenges in their core markets, and share world-leading innovation and best practice to support long-term sustainable growth.”
The new facility has been, in principle, allocated just over £9 million of funding by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. The final allocation of funds is subject to the approval of a full business case.
Sajeeda Rose, D2N2 LEP chief executive, said: “This is an important development as we look to the future; building on Derby and the wider D2N2 LEP area’s reputation for manufacturing excellence.”