Construction work on the new Innovation Centre in Workington has celebrated another important milestone - with a steel-signing taking place.
The steel-signing is the equivalent of a traditional ‘topping-out’ ceremony to mark the completion of the building’s steel frame.
Once complete, the building will provide purpose-built accommodation for entrepreneurial businesses, as well as bringing new modern office space to Workington, something currently lacking in the town.
The Innovation Centre is located on part of the former Central Car Park in Workington town centre and will, primarily, be aimed at digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses. The aim is to attract start-ups who are ripe for incubation, as well as small businesses ready for growth. Expert support will be available to help them achieve their ambitions from operating company, Oxford Innovation Space. It manages a number of similar facilities across the UK, working with local authorities, universities, science parks and investors.
The Innovation Centre is expected to open in Spring 2026. Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver the project and is taking significant steps to minimise the carbon footprint of the building. The majority of the steel frame has been produced using an electric arc furnace, rather than a traditional basic oxygen furnace. This process incorporates around 95% recycled steel and has resulted in an estimated carbon saving of 159 tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to heating 424 UK homes annually.
The Innovation Centre is funded by the Workington Town Deal - £23.1million of Government funding for a range of transformative projects, which also includes a new sports village and improvements to Workington Port, as well as improved public realm.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:
“Work is progressing well on the project and has hit another important milestone.
“The building will fill a gap in the entrepreneurial support and high-quality office accommodation available in and around Workington.
“This, combined, with the neighbouring NHS Diagnostic Centre, which is also in the process of being constructed, will transform this area of the town. They will also increase footfall to the town centre, which is great news for the local economy too.”
John Coughlan, the Chairman of the Workington Town Deal Board, said:
“The Innovation Centre will be transformational for Workington - attracting high-quality start-ups, leading to a growth in advanced manufacturing and technology jobs, and increasing footfall and spending power. We are now seeing the real value of the work which secured £23.1 million for Workington and the greater region.”
Alex Isted, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in the North East and Cumbria, said:
“The steel signing event marks an exciting milestone for the project and it is fantastic to see the progress being made on site. The whole team have worked incredibly hard to get to this point and I look forward to seeing the project continuing to be delivered to the highest standards.
“Following the groundbreaking event, it is rewarding to continue celebrating progress with our customer Cumberland Council with this being the first of a number of projects we’ll be delivering together in the region, creating real opportunity for local people and businesses.”