Scotland’s international centre of manufacturing expertise is a step closer to being realised following the appointment of the design team.
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), hosted by the University of Strathclyde, aims to make Scotland a global leader in advanced manufacturing. By bringing industry, research and the wider public sector together it will drive productivity and skills development.
HLM, a leading design and architecture practice with studios in Glasgow, has been appointed to lead a design team including Waterman Civil & Structural Engineers, Davie + McCulloch Building Services Engineers and Robinson Low Francis LLP Cost Mangers, whilst HLM will also be providing landscape architecture and interior design services. Turner and Townsend have been appointed as Project Managers under the University’s Framework Agreement.
As an industry-led international centre for manufacturers, NMIS, adjacent to Glasgow International Airport, will include a Digital Factory 2050, Manufacturing Skills Academy and collaborative working spaces; complementing the existing University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC).
It will offer Scottish businesses access to expert services, advanced demonstrator facilities and training programmes focused on innovative manufacturing. As a national hub, it will be available to companies of all sizes and sectors, enabling them to be more globally competitive.
It will be the anchor for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), which will benefit from a £39 million investment to provide the enabling infrastructure, funded through the Glasgow City Region Deal.
Ross Barrett, Associate HLM, said: “HLM and the design team are excited to be working closely with the University of Strathclyde and their partners to develop the new NMIS facility. This is a huge opportunity to create an innovative, flexible and collaborative environment which will help inspire and attract industry partners and academics alike, reducing barriers to innovation.”
The £65 million plus investment includes £48 million from the Scottish Government and £8m from the University of Strathclyde as well as £9 million in the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre which is a first phase of NMIS. The phase 1 construction value is expected to be in the region of £38 million.
