Planning approval for the Phase II extension of the National Composites Centre has been granted.
Based at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, the new facility will see the NCC’s footprint double in size, making it one of the largest research and technology centres of its type in the world.
In December, the Chancellor George Osborne announced £28 million of government funding to enhance the capabilities and capacity of the Centre.
The plans approved this week will allow for increased training and skills development and provide a dedicated high rate composite manufacturing facility. Tom Hitching, business development director, said: “The NCC is a huge success story and the Phase II extension will increase and enhance our capability for industrialisation of research projects. The plans include a specialist composite hydraulic press focused on enabling the UK automotive industry to automate their composites processes.”
The new site will feature bookable workshop areas as well as space for skills training and an industrial doctorate centre.
Hitching continued: “The expanded facility will offer improved facilities for SMEs and for training, teaching and other educational activities. It also provides opportunities for provision of physical resources and a focal point for the Sector Skills Council and National Skills Academy to coordinate and support training and education in the use of composites.”
NCC Phase II is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2014.