Work has officially started on a new Innovation Centre in the Northampton Enterprise Zone. Up to 55 small businesses will be accommodated in the state of the art building and will have access to support from the University of Northampton’s Inspire2Enterprise service. The University is delivering the £8.5m project in partnership with WNDC.

Peter Mawson, WNDC’s Chief Executive commented: “After years of planning and preparation, we are delighted to see work start on the Innovation Centre. It is a sign of improvements to come, with a major office development planned on our neighbouring land. This is the third innovation centre that we have delivered with the University, following the popular iCon and Portfolio Centres. With its quality design and high profile location, we’re sure it will be just as successful.”

Terry Neville, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Northampton said: “The Innovation Centre will be a flagship for the Social Enterprise sector and will specialise in business support for this sector, which is rapidly expanding across the UK and globally. Encouraging enterprise and entrepreneurship is crucial to the University of Northampton and significantly enhances the experience and employability prospects we offer to our students. Occupants of the new University of Northampton Innovation Centre will also benefit from its central location and superfast broadband.”

​The Innovation Centre, expected to open in early 2015, is one of several high-profile developments within the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone. This includes a new and improved railway station opposite the Innovation Centre, as well as a proposed £330m University of Northampton campus.

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