UK Atomic Energy Authority to build new R&D building at Culham Science Centre
With the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) signing up to a new agreement to build an 8,000 sq. m. research and development building on the site, a new wave of innovative businesses look likely relocate to South Oxfordshire's Culham Science Centre.
This month, a mammoth 35-year deal was reached with Legal & General. The £40 million engineering and office complex is scheduled to be finished in the middle of 2024. The project has been granted full planning approval, with Kier Construction due to carry it out.
It's the latest boost for the growing campus and forms part of what is a rather significant renovation initiative. It will promote development and bring about economic gains while assisting in the resolution of difficult and important problems in a whole variety of industries.
A multi-story parking structure and 'rig hall' for R&D will be part of the new four-story office building. And as part of UKAEA's long-term sustainability objectives, it'll all be built to the BREEAM 'Excellent' standard and capable of accommodating lots of different tenants.
Antonia Jenkinson is the UKAEA’s CFO and Director of Property. She says this about the expansion: “We believe fusion could be part of the world’s future energy mix, and are working with a wide range of science, engineering, and technology companies at our Culham Science Centre to achieve it."
“Our work here continues to create jobs and drive economic growth, while helping place the UK at the forefront of the international scientific community. This new investment into Culham will help support companies contributing to the UK’s world-recognised fusion technology cluster, while developing a supply chain and skills base required to solve challenges across a much broader range of sectors.”
“The development of public and private partnerships is of huge benefit to our mission to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy. We’ve had strong interest in the new building, which will be versatile and support the growth of innovative companies aligned to UKAEA’s own aims.”
Head of Long Income, LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General) Derek Gilby, had this to say: “In line with Legal & General’s commitment to drive science and technology growth across regional cities, we are delighted to work with UKAEA and bolster our investment into the Oxfordshire region."
“Today’s announcement follows Legal & General’s existing £4bn partnership with the University of Oxford, where we are meeting our long-term pension commitments through creating real assets to provide new housing and innovation facilities, which in turn, boosts productivity, retains talent, and creates new jobs. It’s clear that meaningful partnerships between the public and private sector have never been more important in successfully supporting our towns and cities.”
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