Network Space has submitted plans to St Helens Borough Council for a £54m glass research and innovation facility
Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed as stage 1 contractor for the glass innovation facility following an open procurement process which was managed through the North West Construction Hub.
Developed for Glass Futures Ltd, the proposed 160,000 sq ft Centre of Excellence will be the world’s first openly accessible, multi-disciplinary experimental glass innovation facility for research and development trials.
The facility will be used to deliver industry and Government-backed R&D projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of glass production.
The glass innovation facility is being funded through a mix of public and private investment. A £15m UKRI grant has been secured for the installation of a globally unique, experimental furnace and state of the art infrastructure capable of producing 30-tonnes of glass per day and will enable the glass industry to implement change in a safe experimental space.
Network Space will secure private sector investment to support the construction costs alongside a £9m grant from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Glass sector companies will also contribute a further £20m in resource, time and equipment to support the project.
In addition to creating 80 new permanent jobs, the project will lead to apprenticeships, training and general up-skilling within the glass sector.
‘A catalyst for further economic growth’
Catherine Chilvers, development director at Network Space, said: “As landowner and developer, we have worked in partnership with St Helen’s Council and Glass Futures over the past two years to rapidly progress the design and development of this transformational project for the borough and in doing so, have established a hugely effective public/private sector delivery model.
“The submitted planning proposals will regenerate the former United Glassworks site and enable Government and industry-led research activity and training opportunities.
“The facility will create new jobs and support the transition of R&D to commercial applications, acting as a catalyst for further economic growth within St Helens.”
Glass Futures Ltd, chief executive, Richard Katz, added: “The planning submission is a great step forward in creating a facility that will deliver innovative technologies to make glass net-zero.
“The Centre of Excellence will help us work collaboratively with our members, the supply chain and academia to achieve that aim.”
