A construction company has formally handed over a new state-of-the-art research and development centre intended to drive innovation in low-carbon heating.
The facility was built by HBC Construction, formerly known as Henry Boot Construction, for client Ideal Heating.
HBC was originally appointed in 2023 to deliver the shell and core, but the company was later commissioned to manage the fit-out and mechanical and electrical (M&E) works, creating a fully operational environment ready for cutting-edge research.
The new UK Technology Centre is located at Ideal Heating’s headquarters on National Avenue in Hull. The 38,000 sq ft, two-storey steel-frame building will bring together members of Ideal’s R&D team and related functions – previously spread across multiple facilities on the site – in one, collaborative place.
Over the next few months, Ideal Heating will move the team members into the new facility, in a phased programme, following the completion of their internal furnishing and fit-outs.
The building has been designed with sustainability in mind, featuring solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, mechanical heat recovery systems, LED lighting and controls, sub-metering of electrical distribution, and a high-performing building fabric.
The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art R&D testing facilities, office, training and workshop space, enabling Ideal Heating to accelerate product development and innovation.
Helen Villamuera, engineering director at Ideal Heating, said: “Building a state-of-the-art technology centre is not a straightforward project, but right from the tender process, the team at HBC understood the challenge ahead of us and worked alongside us to deliver this amazing landmark on National Avenue.
“A true collaboration with a great team of people, feeling like we had one common project goal together. This new facility will further cement Ideal Heating’s role in shaping the future of sustainable heating technologies in the UK.”
Lee Powell, managing director of HBC, added: “We are proud to have delivered a high-quality facility that meets Ideal Heating’s ambitions. It’s been a collaborative effort from start to finish, ensuring the new centre not only fulfils their needs but supports their future growth too. The project joins our large portfolio of research and development projects delivered across Yorkshire and the Humber.”
The project has been backed by more than £2m in seed capital funding from Humber Freeport, having been identified as a key initiative to help decarbonise industry across the Humber region, and advance the transition to a net zero economy.
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