Lincoln’s Innovation Centre – the Think Tank – moved one step closer to opening today (22nd December.)
Councillor Hilton Spratt, Economy, Tourism & Culture Portfolio Holder at the City of Lincoln Council, received the keys to the new building from main contractors Marriott Construction at a ceremony to mark completion of the new building.
Designed specifically to cater for Lincolnshire’s increasing number of innovative companies, the 3,300m2 Think Tank, on Ruston Way, will welcome its first tenants in late February 2009.
A home for established and start-up businesses from across the county, the Think Tank is the most prominent part of Innovation Lincolnshire’s efforts to increase employment and contribute to a sustainable local economy.
Comprising nine workspaces and 21 offices for enterprises demonstrating innovative ideas or working practices, the Think Tank was first discussed by the City of Lincoln Council in 2002. Since then, £7.1m in funding has been secured from the Objective 2 European Regional Development Fund, the East Midlands Development Agency, Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Enterprise to allow the City of Lincoln Council to bring the state-of-the-art facility to fruition.
Designed by architects Marks Barfield – the practice responsible for the London Eye – the Think Tank is as innovative as the businesses it will house. Environmentally sustainable, powered by renewable energy sources and featuring a green roof, the building features a unique cladding that changes colour depending on how the light catches it.
Taking just over a year to build, the Think Tank will open, on time and within budget, in February, once facilities management and the building’s administrative team have taken up their positions and fully familiarised themselves with the building.
“Today is a significant milestone in the development of the Think Tank and the provision of support services for Lincolnshire’s increasing number of innovative companies,” said Councillor Spratt. “Even with the current economic climate, Lincolnshire has a lot to be proud of and we’re confident that the Think Tank will be instrumental in helping the county foster and develop a reputation for encouraging and supporting innovative companies whether they be young, mature or start-ups. The Think Tank will become a fantastic home for Lincolnshire’s most innovative businesses.”
The Think Tank will offer 21 offices ranging from 44 to 150m2 and nine workspaces from 70 to 135m2. All tenants will be able to access meeting rooms, featuring state of the art video conferencing and presentation equipment; secretarial services and a range of other support services.
Monthly rents will range from £15 to £22 per square foot, including business rates based on a month-in, month-out lease.
Businesses interested in moving into the Think Tank should contact City of Lincoln Council on 01522 873466 or 0800 848 8840 for more information on Innovation Lincolnshire.
-ENDS-
Issued on behalf of the City of Lincoln Council by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Lindsey at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / lindsey@lavapr.co.uk <mailto:stuart@lavapr.co.uk>
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Note to editors:
1. The Think Tank required an investment of £7.1m to bring the vision to fruition: Objective 2 European Regional Development Fund contributed £4,094,003; Lincolnshire Enterprise and the East Midlands Development Agency contributed £4,608,110 whilst the City Council and County Council are providing £1,150,000 between them.
