National Composites Centre receives keys to the building

The University of Bristol’s National Composites Centre (NCC) today [13 July 2011] took formal possession of its building, and its Chief Executive received a large, symbolic key to mark the occasion.
The University of Bristol’s National Composites Centre (NCC) today [13 July 2011] took formal possession of its building, and its Chief Executive received a large, symbolic key to mark the occasion. Almost 100 people gathered at the NCC to hear how it had been completed in such a short timescale.

The NCC’s incredible 20-month journey began in November 2009 with the publication of the UK Composites Strategy by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the selection of Bristol as the location for the NCC and the University of Bristol as owner and host of the Centre. The Bristol and Bath Science Park was identified as the specific site for the building in March 2010.

In June 2010 the five founding members (GKN Aerospace, Airbus, AgustaWestland, Rolls-Royce and Vestas) signed long-term partnerships with the NCC. In the same month planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council was granted.

Physical work on the site began in August 2010. Construction work continued at breakneck speed and the building was finished in June. Also in June Umeco PLC joined the founding members.

Commenting on this, Peter Chivers, the NCC’s Chief Executive, said: “The construction of this centre in such a short timescale is an outstanding success. To think that only one year ago work hadn’t even begun on the building and the site was a green field.

“This is a tremendous achievement. I can now concentrate on supporting UK manufacturers and ensuring that the skills of the NCC’s staff and partners can help translate world-renowned research into manufacturing excellence.”

Professor Guy Orpen, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Bristol and Chair of the NCC Board, said: “This is a remarkable achievement and a credit to all who have been involved. It has been achieved through successful partnering, and I would like to thank funders and our members for the focus and support they have provided over the past year and a half. The stage is now set for us to make a significant contribution to the global composites industry."

Jane Henderson, CEO of the South West RDA, said: “The SW Regional Development Agency is proud to have played a key role in bringing the industrial partners and University of Bristol together and to make the applications which secured £12 million from BIS, £4 million from the Agency and paved the way for £9 million of European Regional Development Agency funds.

“We congratulate the hard work of the University and their contractors, and are immensely grateful for the tremendous support of the industrial members. We wish the Centre, and the Bristol and Bath Science Park, every success in future.”

Peter Young, Managing Director of main contractors Kier Western, said: “Speed was of the essence for this project. Maintaining the highest standards of safety management was paramount and I am particularly proud of the part that our team played in achieving an accident free scheme in a build period of less than six months.

“The whole team worked together magnificently to help the University of Bristol bring this world-class research facility into the city.”

Gary Milliner, Director of architects Stride Treglown, said: “From the very first appointment through to planning and now completion, this development has been a highly efficient process as well as such an exciting project to work on. We are delighted to see our plans coming to fruition in creating a sustainable, fully functional and exciting building worthy of such a dynamic group.”

The Centre is already operational and will be able to offer full capability by September. The Centre will be formally opened and launched later in the year.