New iHub is set to build an innovative future

The 4,000m² iHub building will offer business incubator units, a conference room for 200-300 people, exhibition space and meeting rooms. It will also be held up as a leading example of energy-efficiency and sustainable building in its own right.

The funding for the iHub, which is costing a total of £8.7 million, is being provided by East Midlands Development Agency (emda), the European Regional Development Fund and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC).

The iHub project forms part of a wider programme for the regeneration of Daventry town centre, which is being facilitated by Daventry District Council and its partners.

The iHub is to be built on land donated by Daventry District Council and Northamptonshire County Council off Eastern Way. It will also form the permanent base of a new innovation network (iNet) in the Sustainable Construction sector. The iNet, which is currently based at the University of Northampton, will consist of a team of dedicated innovation advisors who will work closely with businesses in the construction sector to help them adopt the new techniques and technologies required to meet future targets for low carbon buildings.

In addition, the iNet will be able to draw on the support and resources of a 15 strong consortium comprising universities, professional bodies and research associations. Together, these organisations will provide an invaluable and unique combination of resources, knowledge and assistance to businesses involved in sustainable construction.

Following construction, the new iHub will be owned by the “ICON” Charitable Trust, a new body established by the iNet consortium. David Walker, CEO of the East Midlands Centre for Constructing the Built Environment will Chair ICON, and the trustees will include WNDC, University of Northampton and Daventry District Council, with an observer role for emda.

The iHub is being sited at a prominent gateway position in Daventry, selected for its central position in relation to regional building programmes and for the District Council’s commitment to a range of projects to support low-carbon development. These include plans for a bio-mass combined heat and power system and a Personal Rapid Transport system in the town. The iHub itself will also be a highly innovative building, using a range of advanced technologies including a new type of quad glazing and phase change materials that provide temperature stabilisation.

The construction of the iHub project is being managed by WNDC, including all elements of procurement and build. In addition, Daventry, along with the iHub, has also been granted National Skills Academy Status for construction, which will further enhance its position as a national centre of excellence for the construction industry.

Speaking about the iHub, David Wallace, emda’s International and Innovation Director said: “The iHub will be a tremendous asset for the construction industry in the East Midlands. Not only will it provide incubation, meeting and conference facilities for businesses to share best practice, but it will also act as the heart of the new Sustainable Construction iNet. It will be a base from which businesses can receive the expert help, advice and support that they need to innovate and exploit new ideas and technologies, giving them a competitive edge and helping them to create jobs and bring wealth to the region.”

Harj Dhaliwal, Director of Infrastructure Delivery for WNDC said: “WNDC is delighted to be providing over £2 million towards the creation of the iHub and manage its construction, spearheading its delivery by 2010.  The iHub is an exciting project that will provide a landmark building, showcasing world class design in the heart of Daventry.  It will be an incredible asset to the people of Daventry and for those who will live there in the future, making Daventry a distinctive market town that others will wish to emulate.”

Dr Frank Burdett, Pro Vice Chancellor at The University of Northampton, said: “The University is very proud to be playing the role of lead partner in the creation of the iHub initiative in Daventry. This is one of the most significant innovations in the East Midlands in recent years. The iHub will become the home of innovation to help reduce waste, improve energy consumption and cut water use. Innovation depends on creating and implementing new techniques, technologies and processes and the best way to make this happen is through universities and businesses working together. The iHub provides the perfect platform to make that challenge a reality.''

Chris Millar, Leader of Daventry District Council, said: "This is fantastic news for Daventry District. The new iHub will be an iconic building that will encourage and support high quality jobs in the district and firmly place us on the map as a national centre for business excellence and sustainability.

"It fits perfectly with the Council's ongoing work to redevelop the heart of Daventry and create a thriving, sustainable town centre for today's residents and future generations."