Bosses at a multi-million pound innovation centre in Derby are celebrating after its state-of-the-art hybrid workshops achieved 100% occupancy.
All workshop offices are now full at the iHub after attracting some of the biggest names in the region’s automotive, rail and aerospace industries.
Launched almost three years ago, the iHub is the flagship building on Infinity Park, a 100-acre manufacturing-focused commercial and technology site between Sinfin and Chellaston, to the south of the city.
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As well as 18 traditional office workspaces, the iHub features 14 ground floor workshops for businesses seeking a hybrid working environment.
The specialist workshop spaces cater for a broad range of uses in a managed workspace environment and feature high ceilings, access roller doors large enough for lorries, enhanced power supply points and strengthened joists for hoisting equipment.
The iHub also features the iLab, a development facility that promotes invention by enabling the rapid prototyping of a range of products and services. It also boasts high-end virtual reality, 3D printing and surface microscope equipment.
Since opening, the iHub has attracted a range of companies including Composite Braiding, which is a specialist in thermoplastic composite braiding, VRCO, an advanced aviation company that is developing the world’s first British-made flying cars and Pattonair, which provides distribution and supply chain management services to the aerospace and defence sectors.
The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centres (AMRC) has also established a base at the iHub while its new multi-million pound innovation facility is being developed on Infinity Park.
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The iHub is managed by Connect Derby, which also oversees Friar Gate Studios, Marble Hall, Riverside Chambers, Sadler Bridge Studios, Kings Chambers and Shot Tower.
Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the positive reaction that the iHub has received from across the aerospace, automotive and transport industries.
“We were always confident that there would be strong demand for the quality of office and workshop accommodation available at the iHub and to see the workshops reach maximum occupancy reflects its growing reputation as a regional centre of technological excellence. “
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The iHub was created thanks to funding from the Regional Growth Fund and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as well as Derby City Council and the University of Derby.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, city council deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, environment and regeneration, said: “The iHub is really flying the flag for Derby on the national stage and is continuing to attract some of the most exciting and innovative companies operating within the rail, aerospace and automotive supply chain, who are utilising the building’s high-tech facilities and producing some fantastic work.
“The workshops provide a very specialist service and to reach maximum occupancy reflects the reputation that the iHub has gained among the region’s automotive, rail and aerospace supply chain industries.”