Government Members break ground on I-Construct project

Building work has started on the I-Construct project – a £2.3 million centre of excellence for construction innovation in Braintree.

“We have begun the exciting work of creating a flagship centre to promote innovation in construction.”

Building work has started on the I-Construct project – a £2.3 million centre of excellence for construction innovation in Braintree.

Government Members and representatives from Beardwell Construction joined project partners Haven Gateway in a traditional breaking of the ground ceremony near Springwood Drive to mark the occasion.

Beardwell Construction is the appointed contractor set to deliver on the build of this state-of-the-art, new centre consisting of workshop and demonstration spaces, a technology laboratory, conference facilities and informal meeting areas.

The two-storey hub, to be located next to the Enterprise Centre, will in itself be an exceptional example of a modern, environmentally friendly building as it will benefit from innovative construction techniques and modern materials. In building terms, it will meet industry leading “BREEAM Excellent” standards.

The hub will be home to a team offering business support, grant schemes and advice to firms connected to the construction industry. It will be a place where innovative construction ideas, technology and techniques – such as robotics, 3D printers and modelling software – are shared and celebrated.

When up and running, the project aims to launch 150 new products and has the potential to create up to 130 new jobs.

The hub’s activities will be managed by the Haven Gateway Partnership and will serve the South East Local Enterprise Partnership region comprising of Essex, Kent and East Sussex.

Braintree District Council is investing £1.5 million into the build of the centre. The build project will also receive a grant of £800,000 from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund.

Cllr John McKee, Cabinet Member for Corporate Transformation at Braintree District Council, said: “We have begun the exciting work of creating a flagship centre to promote innovation in construction. This project will help businesses grow and create quality job and training opportunities for people in and around Essex and beyond. The creation of this hub means that we are playing our part in supporting innovative businesses and generating the momentum needed to get our economy motoring again.”

Rt Hon James Cleverly, Member of Parliament for Braintree, said: “This will be an exciting new building that will showcase exciting new construction technologies. It is another example of local government and business working closely together to deliver opportunity and jobs for local people.”

George Kieffer, Chairman at the Haven Gateway Partnership, said: “Our work will not only safeguard existing jobs in the construction industry, but it will also help create new jobs and solve some of the challenges facing businesses within that industry. This centre will provide a focal point for business support and innovative building solutions which will have a positive impact on hundreds of businesses across the region as well as nationally.”

Duncan Clark, Managing Director at Beardwell Construction Limited said: “We are a leading regional contractor committed to working closely with the clients and communities we engage with. We will be working with local subcontractors to create a range of job opportunities for people living and working in the area. We are looking forward to making a positive start on this new innovative build.”

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