Ground Broken on Innovation Centre

Construction has now begun on the town centre development set to drive innovation and business growth in the heart of Redditch.

Redditch Borough Council are pleased to announce that a major milestone has been reached today, as partners joined together to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Innovation Centre.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Matt Dormer, said: “Today marks an exciting new chapter for Redditch. Breaking ground on the Innovation Centre demonstrates our commitment to creating opportunities for local businesses, attracting investment, and ensuring our town remains at the forefront of innovation and economic growth. This development will provide a high-quality home for ambitious businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them to thrive here.”

The new 2,600m² building will provide a flexible mix of office, laboratory, and workshop space, alongside meeting facilities, networking areas, and a café. Designed to support innovation-led businesses, particularly within the digital manufacturing sector, the centre will offer access to specialist support services, and foster collaboration.

Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe, Mark Hudgeon, said: "We're delighted to have broken ground on The Innovation Centre and begin work on this important development for Redditch. As a contractor with strong roots in the region, we're proud to be delivering a project that will support business growth, create opportunities and make a lasting contribution to the town."

The Council will now work with construction partner Speller Metcalfe and local education partners to create opportunities for local students to engage with the project and gain valuable insight into careers in construction and the built environment as the project moves further into the delivery phase.

Chair of the Redditch Town Deal Board, Brian Davy, said: "The Innovation Centre is one of the most significant projects within the Town Deal programme and today's groundbreaking represents a major milestone for Redditch. The Town Deal Board has worked closely with partners over a number of years to help shape the vision, provide strategic guidance, and support the development of projects that will have a lasting impact on the town.”

The project forms a key part of Redditch's Town Deal programme and wider ambitions to create high-value employment opportunities, attract investment to the town and provide local businesses with a place to grow. The groundbreaking also marks an opportunity to recognise the significant contribution of the Redditch Town Deal Board, whose strategic input and guidance have helped shape projects and secure investment for the town over recent years.

Davy added: "It is incredibly rewarding to see the Innovation Centre move into the delivery phase and become a reality. This project will help strengthen Redditch's reputation as a destination for innovation, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies."

The £16.6m project, funded through the Government’s Towns Fund programme, is expected to open in Spring 2028.

For more information on the project, please visit: https://www.redditchtowndeal.co.uk/regeneration-projects/redditch-innovation-centre/