£1.5m investment to create cutting-edge hub for nuclear supply chain

Derby is set to strengthen its status as a leading centre for advanced manufacturing and innovation following a £1.5 million investment from the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

The funding will transform the former Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, on Infinity Park, into the cutting-edge Infinity Prototyping Centre (IPC).

The project is a collaboration between EMCCA, Derby City Council, the University of Derby and Infinity Technology Group Ltd.

Together, they will deliver a facility offering state-of-the-art services, and flexible, collaborative workspaces, tailored to organisations across the nuclear supply chain.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of the city council, said: “The IPC is a great example of partnership working in action.

“It will offer a huge boost to our local economy and reaffirm Derby’s place as a national leader for innovation, manufacturing and world-class research and development.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This investment demonstrates my commitment to creating high-quality jobs and supporting the industries that will power our future economy.

“The Infinity Prototyping Centre is exactly the kind of forward-thinking project we want to champion.”

The IPC aims to attract new clients and partners, reinforcing Derby’s position as a destination for innovation-led business.

Upgrades to the building will create high-quality research and development spaces.

These spaces are designed to bring together local supply chain companies and research organisations, embedding collaboration at the heart of the facility.

The IPC is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, including the creation of 11 high-value jobs and wider employment opportunities for local people.

It will also play a key role in attracting further investment, supporting Derby’s position at the forefront of the UK’s advanced manufacturing and low-carbon economy.

EMCCA’s investment will allow the site to support high-precision, advanced manufacturing and enable Derby to capitalise on green growth opportunities.

With work now underway, the IPC will play an important role in the continued development of the East Midlands Investment Zone, supporting a dynamic and future-focused business ecosystem.

Councillor Peatfield added: “The investment from EMCCA will give new life for the building and will allow us to deliver on our ambitions for our city – that it is one of sustainable growth, technological leadership, and a hub for advanced manufacturing.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor and chief executive at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to play a key role in the development of the new IPC.

“As an industry‑engaged university, we are committed to knowledge exchange and innovation, supporting the upskilling and reskilling of the workforce through research and development in new and emerging technologies.

“These capabilities are essential to the continued advancement of the advanced manufacturing sector.

“Building on the successful collaboration of Team Derby, the IPC is the next phase of development.

“By strengthening the links between academia and industry, we aim to create impactful innovation and meaningful education opportunities, and we look forward to working collaboratively with our partners to bring the centre to fruition.”