£15m manufacturing research centre boosts city's reputation as a leader in innovation
Published: 23 March 2022
Artists impression of the Nuclear AMRC at Infinity Park Derby.
Construction of a 46,728 sq. ft research facility for Infinity Park Derby’s (IPD) latest occupier is now underway, which will connect supply chain innovations in carbon zero technologies with UK industry.
The progress on the nuclear research centre, led by the Government-backed Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC), Derby City Council, the University of Derby, and the site developer IPD LLP, establishes Infinity Park as a centre for innovation, advanced research and development.
Located next to Rolls Royce and within 20 minutes’ drive of global manufacturers Toyota, Alstom and JCB, the decision to position the coveted Nuclear AMRC Midlands facility in the area reflects Derby’s unrivalled reputation in manufacturing.
The proximity of the Infinity Park facility to a new proposed junction, intended for completion in early 2025 within the South Derby Growth Zone, will also deliver sought after accessibility to major routes like the M1.
Arrival of the new research facility follows three years of success held by Nuclear AMRC Midlands at Connect Derby’s iHub; over five years of iHub tenure held by the University of Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering, and from the success of Enscite, a partnership between the University of Derby and Aston University supporting growth of SMEs in aerospace, rail, and automotive supply chains.
The iHub-based Nuclear AMRC 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.
IPD’s partnership featuring Derby City Council, Wilson Bowden Developments, Peveril Securities, the Harpur Crewe Estate and Rolls Royce, with significant funding from D2N2, has propelled the status of Infinity Park to the manufacturing destination of choice for the high value sector.
Ralph Jones, managing director of Peveril Securities, development partner in IPD LLP, said:
Infinity Park Derby is a strategically placed centre for UK industry which benefits from Enterprise Zone status and Derby’s well-established industrial heritage. 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.
A spokesperson for Derby City Council, 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.