The Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is currently looking for development and funding consultants with two phases of their new development. The authority, who are in the process of creating a new university campus in Peterborough, has requested market engagement for two phases of the development, looking at how the phase two research and development building will be operated, and how the phase four research and development building will be funded, as well as if there is any scope for any longer-term investments and relationships.
The CPCA is keen for the market to engage with them in response to the project in both the medium and long term to try to ensure there is a long-term commercial benefit. To do this, they have created both a webinar and questionnaire for people to engage with and may seek further answers in response to these.
The move comes as part of the creation of a new university campus in Peterborough, set to be part of Anglia Ruskin University. The project is a £16.7 million joint venture between CPCA and Peterborough-based firm Photocentric, which hope aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Proposals have been submitted for the centre and a car park to the East, which is set to be adjacent to the already approved teaching building.
The research centre is arranged over three floors and would provide 3300 sq. m of efficient and flexible space for research and development, and would provide a new space for the city, which would also complete the transformation of Wirrina car park into a green campus also accessible to the public.
It would be used for the research of a wide range of technologies, including energy storage devices, the manufacture of sustainable plastics and the printing of industrial parts instead of moulding them.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer said “The vision for the innovation centre is to invest in research today to enable net-zero manufacturing tomorrow. This facility will speed up the design and launch of new products and be invaluable to Peterborough’s innovative manufacturing companies, who are key to driving future growth. This centre could be transformational, so I am looking forward to seeing planning permission granted and the building work begin.”
Managing director of Photocentric Paul Holt said “Photocentric is applying the 3D printing technology we invented here in Peterborough 7 years ago to change the way the world manufactures items. This facility is going to become the centre for 3D printing research and provide benefits to both the local community and the UK. We are really excited to be able to partner with the new University here, supporting education is one of our core values and we have a commitment to educating everyone in the new manufacturing techniques we have invented.”
The principal of ARU Peterborough Ross Renton said “This new research centre is a critical and exciting step in the next stage of development of the campus at ARU Peterborough. Our curriculum will be employer-led, and this innovation centre will bring industry to our doorstep, allowing us to collaborate and form new partnerships to the benefit of the city and students.”
The university is set to open its doors to students in September 2022.
Photo source: CPCA
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