New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE), which is working towards transforming engineering higher education, has announced Hereford-based, oak-framed building specialists, Oakwrights as the winner of its competition to help create the designs for three new buildings on the Skylon site:
• The Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT), showcasing timber as a construction material
• The Centre for Automated Manufacture (CAM), servicing the manufacturing sector
• Centre for Future Skills (CFS), a large flexible industrial space to allow development and testing of different technologies
Oakwrights will now join the NMITE Skylon Campus team to help develop a scheme to facilitate the submission of an early planning application through the Local Development Order Process (LDO). This stage will also provide information to allow NMITE to progress with the procurement process for detailed designs and project delivery.
Toby Kinnaird, Head of Partnerships at NMITE, said: “We were blown away by the high standard of the entry submissions we received, and were delighted that these came not only from local firms, but architects and designers nationwide. Oakwrights expertise in marrying timber-frame craftsmanship and design with cutting edge technology, convinced the judging panel that they were the most deserving firm. Their innovative energy efficient design for building in particular is very exciting, and we cannot wait to start working together and progressing the designs.”
Tim Crump, Managing Director at Oakwrights, said: “Winning this competition to work with NMITE to design three new buildings which will host future learners, including degree apprenticeship and CPD short course students, is a fantastic way to kick off the new year and new decade. It’s an honour to be involved in the design of what is set to be such a pivotal part of Herefordshire and the future of the British engineering industry for decades to come.”
The project to create NMITE is being strongly backed by engineering businesses, the Herefordshire community, Herefordshire Council, Olin College of Engineering (USA), professional engineering bodies and the UK Government, which awarded up to £23 million in initial funding. £8 million of this funding for the project was awarded by the Marches LEP via its Growth Deal with Government. Growth Deals are awarded to LEPs through a competitive bidding process to fund the delivery of projects to boost the local economy.
For further information on the project please visit www.nmite.ac.uk