SGP’s design for a new Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre for Nuclear-AMRC-Midlands has been submitted for planning permission

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) has submitted a planning application for a 46,904sq.ft. research and development design and manufacturing centre at the Infinity Park Derby (IPD), for Nuclear-AMRC-Midlands.

Infinity Park Derby is a high-quality employment park located near to the existing manufacturing facilities of Rolls Royce, Toyota, JCB and Alstom. SGP have been involved in the development of the masterplan for Infinity Park Derby since 2001.

Working closely with Cedar House Investments, who are developers within the Infinity Park LLP consortium, as well as Nuclear-AMRC-Midlands, SGP has designed a bespoke operational facility to suit the end user’s research and development and advanced manufacturing requirements.

The 46,738 sqft development includes a manufacturing centre, with a haunch height of 10m, which is designed to provide the best layout for the flow of production, positioning of equipment and maximum use of space. Included is a two storey 25,210 sqft office and welfare facility contains laboratories, and testing and prototyping facilities along with technical development offices. A double height atrium marks the entrance and provides exhibition space to showcase the work carried out at the facility.

Explains Chris Webster, Studio Director at SGP: “This new facility for advanced manufacturing is expected to add £52m to the local Derby economy across a five-year period, supporting SMEs in the area to grow by creating opportunities for research and development.”

The design takes a lead from Derby City Council’s iHub which opened in 2016. The elevational treatment creates a striking presence in the landscape, using a combination of profiled built-up cladding alongside carefully proportioned flat panel rain screen cladding to create distinctive dark ‘framed boxes’ to define the three volumes. A subtle colour palette enhances the composition whilst the large, glazed volume of the main reception area is set behind projecting brise soleil, which knits together the office and industrial unit.

A new, multifunctional green infrastructure has been designed for the site to provide long term environment enhancement. As a potentially strategically important area for wetland habitats, SGP’s proposals include a range of peripheral habitats including a surface water attenuation lagoon that has been designed to complement the existing wetland features.  The planting of new broadleaved trees and species rich hedgerows will improve biodiversity across the site.

Concludes Chris: “The design of the building – a high quality contemporary development reflecting the high technology aspiration for Infinity Park Derby – is an important element in establishing IPD as a key manufacturing base for the East Midlands.

Work is expected to start in the Autumn.