Construction projects in West Northamptonshire are attracting praise and recognition from industry experts. Two schemes in the area have won East Midlands Constructing Excellence Awards, which celebrate innovation and best practice in the construction industry.

Daventry’s new landmark, the iCon Innovation Centre won the award for environmental sustainability, due its cutting-edge design which minimises energy use. The building, which is now operated by the University of Northampton, provides offices and business support for companies working in low-carbon technologies.

Alongside this success, a ground-breaking training scheme called Construction Futures won the award for skills and training. The scheme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, uses the planning application process to secure construction training and apprenticeships on local sites.

Peter Mawson, WNDC’s Chief Executive said: “In different ways, both the iCon and Construction Futures are helping to put West Northamptonshire on the map. The iCon is proving to be a great success and is attracting plaudits from far and wide. Crucially, it will be home to a range of highly inventive businesses and will attract investment into Daventry for years to come.

“Construction Futures has been helping to kick-start the careers of local people on construction sites across the area. Its innovative approach is being shared with other local authorities, who recognise its potential benefits for their communities”

As winners of the East Midlands awards, both the iCon and Construction Futures will be automatically entered into the Constructing Excellence National Awards, which take place on 25 November 2011.

Background Information

Construction Futures

Construction Futures was established by West Northamptonshire Development Corporation and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.   It is a ground breaking scheme that directly links construction training with the determination of planning applications. Its unique approach, which is attracting interest from across the UK, involves forecasting the training opportunities on a new development and enshrining them in the section 106 agreements tied to planning permissions. It then works with local training providers, including Moulton College, to supply trainees.

iCon Innovation Centre

The iCon is managed by the University of Northampton. Funding for the project has been obtained from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the East Midlands Development Agency (emda), Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership (NEP), and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC). Daventry District Council and Northamptonshire County Council have donated the land for the project.

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