Work begins on Sheffield’s AMP Technology Centre

The new development, to be opened by communities minister Lord Ahmad, is part of the successful AMP Technology Centre and will provide additional workspace for manufacturing companies wanting to expand or move to the site.

It will be the third building at the Technology Centre and will hope to satisfy the increased demand that has led to the other two buildings nearing full capacity for the past 12 months.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has announced the zone has created nearly 500 jobs and training the next generation of engineers and that new areas must be made to meet demand. Pickles said: “Sheffield’s Enterprise Zone is a success.

“Not only is it creating hundreds of jobs, but it’s also playing a vital role in training the next generation of engineers.”

Figures show the Government’s 24 enterprise zones nationally have created 12,530 jobs, attracted 434 new businesses and generated £2bn of private investment since opening for business in April 2012.

Lord Ahmad will also take a short journey in a hydrogen powered car – the Hyundai FCEV during his tour. The AMP Technology Centre is home to ITM’s Hydrogen re-fuelling station, providing refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles.

Sheffield Enterprise Zone encompasses more than a dozen pockets of land across Sheffield City Region, from Markham Vale in Chesterfield, to Barnsley.

Enterprise zones were launched as part of a 25-year project to rebalance the economy, offering tax incentives, simplified planning and superfast broadband.

James Newman, chair of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our LEP has focused on building the UK’s number one Enterprise Zone for modern manufacturing and technology. We offer investors outstanding transport connectivity.”