New £1.5m centre opens on Infinity technology park

A new manufacturing hub has opened on a 200-acre advanced technology park being created in Derby.

The new Infinity Prototype Centre (IPC) has opened at the Infinity development in Sinfin. It is based inside the former nuclear advanced manufacturing research centre at the site off Infinity Park Way.

The ribbon was cut at the IPC site on Monday following a £1.5m investment from the office of East Midlands Mayor Clare Ward.

The IPC will offer services to organisations "across the nuclear supply chain and wider advanced manufacturing sector", said partner Derby City Council.

The facility features workspaces and teaching facilities, partnered with the University of Derby, to join supply chain companies and researchers together under one roof.

Clare Ward said: "I want local people to have the chance to build rewarding careers here in the East Midlands, without having to look elsewhere for opportunities.

"My investment into the IPC will help businesses develop new ideas, give people access to the skills they need and support the growth of industries that will be vital to our future, including nuclear and clean energy."

University vice-chancellor and chief executive Prof Kathryn Mitchell said the opening "reflects a shared ambition for the region and confidence in what we can achieve by working together".

The ribbon-cutting was the latest in a number of announcements at Infinity.

Infinity has partnered with Rolls-Royce Submarines to develop "large-scale prototypes of advanced defence components", while UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), the organisation responsible for delivering the UK's first prototype fusion power plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, also recently announced a partnership with Infinity.

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