Work has got underway to construct the new multi-million pound Innovation and Business Base (IBB) at Butterfield Business and Technology Park, Luton.
A team from Marriott Construction has already cleared top soil from the site and has now begun digging the foundations for the new state-of the art centre. To mark this significant milestone in the project, Minister for Competitiveness, Barry Gardiner MP, will visit the site next week to give a helping hand.
Luton Borough Council is overseeing work on the £18.5 million Innovation and Business Base. The project has been supported by £14 million of funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and £4.5 million from the Government Office for the East of England (Go-East), which obtained the funding from a European funding stream called the Regional Development Fund.
The centre is being built on the site of the new 85-acre Butterfield Business and Technology Park, just off the A505, which is being built by Easter. Once it has been completed it will provide first class accommodation for start-up companies in the high-tech sector. These will benefit from the centre's state-of-the-art facilities as well as specialist business help and support to ensure their new ventures are successful. The Innovation and Business Base's outstanding architectural design, created by internationally renowned architects Hopkins, will also help to provide a stimulus for creative ideas.
Minister for Competitiveness, Barry Gardiner MP said: "This new state-of-the-art centre will ensure that Luton is positioned at the cutting edge of the hi-tech sector, helping to both widen and strengthen the employment opportunities in the region. The centre will help to encourage more innovation and growth through providing the very best facilities and business support, and will create many new opportunities for local businesses."
Leo Murray, EEDA board member, said: "We believe the new centre will act as a catalyst for boosting Luton's economy. It will create jobs and will provide a strong focus for Luton's diversification towards a high skilled, knowledge based economy that can support high-tech businesses. The centre aims to lift the aspirations of those who work and visit Luton as well as to nurture a more creative working environment.
Colin Chick, director of environment and regeneration at Luton Borough Council, said: "Starting construction of the IBB at Butterfield marks the first sign of a project which has risen from the ashes of the Vauxhall car plant. Providing 100 supported units and creating 450 jobs, it will focus on start up and new technology businesses to both widen and strengthen employment opportunities in Luton. We have worked hard with our partners including EEDA, Government Office and DTI to secure the funding for this prestigious building set in parkland designed by internationally acclaimed architects Hopkins."
Chris Murphy, managing director of Marriott Construction, said: "As a construction company we innovate and introduce new ideas and methods wherever possible. To build a centre designed to encourage forward thinking is more than apt for us, itÕs a vested interest in the future."
David Morrall, director Europe for Go-East, said: "We are really pleased to be able to support this project with European funding. It is really important that the region supports innovative start up businesses and we are creating a centre of excellence for high-tech industry. The funding will also help to generate more jobs and that can only benefit the local communities."
Derek Ludlow, chairman of Bedfordshire and Luton Economic Development Partnership, said: "The future wealth creation in Luton, over the next 20 years, will rest in the success of areas like Butterfield Business and Technology Park with the creation of knowledge based industries and new electronic technology businesses."