Canterbury Innovation Centre – Canterbury

Background

As part of Kents strategy to encourage innovation and enterprise to the University of Kent and to make it more attractive for graduates to stay and work locally, it was decided that the first phase would be to develop an Innovation Centre on the technology park.  The development was to represent a major economic boost for East Kent, providing sought-after high quality, flexible premises essential for the regions regeneration.

Solution

The centre was six years in the planning and opened in October 2009.  The Innovation Centre is owned by East Kent Spatial Development Company and funded by SEEDA who partnered with Basepoint who developed and manage the centre as part of SEEDA’s Business Incubation Framework.  Basepoint managed the entire development process of the £7.3M high-tech centre.

The Canterbury Innovation Centre, based on the University of Kent campus, is a unique mix of cutting edge design with sustainable credentials.  The centre completed the first phase for the University of Kent’s Technology Park.

The centre has a visually striking exterior and offers 27,000sqft of modern office, studio and workshop space.  The building meets BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, marking a firm commitment to the regions environmental and economic stability.

Results

Within the first month of opening, 35 of the 85 units available were occupied, a huge achievement considering the economic climate at that time.

Since opening in 2009 the centre has supported 113 local innovative and high growth businesses.  Within these 113 local businesses, a total of 336 jobs have been created, contributing to the local economy.

Testimonial

"Basepoint have managed the Canterbury Innovation Centre on behalf of the EKSDC both throughout it development phase, and since its opening in November 2009. The Centre has continuously outperformed all its targets in terms of occupancy and Basepoint have helped to create a vibrant business centre which has facilitated the growth and development of innovative businesses."

Debbie Spalding
CEO
East Kent Spatial Development Company


Case Study 3 - Canterbury Innovation Centre Gallery