The planning application for the new Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) has been approved by Torbay Council.
Torbay’s elected Mayor and Executive Lead for Finance and Regeneration, Gordon Oliver, said: “Torbay is one of the top five locations in England for photonics expertise and a key location for advanced electronics engineering. EPIC will provide an important Centre for research, product design and new development in cutting edge technologies.
“Torbay’s strong local supply chain, highly trained employees, excellent access to markets and integrated business network will further support this project. I would like to thank all of the project team and partners for their help and support in getting the project to this stage.”
EPIC is being developed by TDA, on behalf of Torbay Council. The planning approval represents a key milestone for the project. The project comprises of a 3,834m² modern, purpose-built hi tech innovation Centre, along with car parking, landscaping and accompanying estate road.
The proposed Centre is four stories comprising of fifteen laboratories and clean rooms, up to 27 offices, along with reception and meetings rooms. The new Centre will be a cornerstone in supporting the growing hi tech sector in Torbay and across Devon and Somerset.
Alan Denby, Director of Economic Strategy at TDA, said: “This is a key milestone in an exciting flagship project for Torbay which is designed to support and grow an important sector in the area. The approval of the planning application shows our tangible progress. This development shows how we want to nurture and support this industry in Torbay and complements the proposed development of South Devon College’s new Hi Tech and Digital Skills Centre.”
EPIC will provide open market access to purpose built hi tech facilities and specialist equipment to support R&D, prototyping, innovation and collaboration in emerging technologies, and developing new intellectual property.
The development of EPIC and the South Devon College’s Hi Tech and Digital Skills Centre represent two significant multi million pound investments within the local area which are designed to support the growth of the area’s hi tech sector, and support the development of Torbay’s economy.
£1.375M of European Structural Investment Fund has been secured by Torbay Council and the outstanding £2.94M of the £8.015M is to be formally secured from the Heart of the South West LEP.
Work is due to start on site at the end of October 2017, with construction completed by the end of 2018.
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