Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to deliver a new c£8 million innovation hub for small businesses in Southend-on-Sea.
The three-storey building, designed by architects BDP, will be built using offsite modular construction methods, with minimum disruption to the project’s neighbours.
Named ‘The Launchpad’, it will provide start-ups and SMEs in the area with offices, workshops, research facilities and break out spaces within an environment that supports collaboration and champions innovation.
Part of the wider Airport Business Park development, The Launchpad is being delivered for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and is being funded by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) Local Growth Fund.
Chris Travers, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for Essex, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to deliver this key project and we are committed to ensuring that the positive economic impact of this development is felt widely throughout the local community. We will be working closely with our project partners, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, and SELEP to deliver social value, support our local supply chain, and create training and employment opportunities for people living nearby – ensuring that the project delivers a long-lasting positive legacy within our local communities.”
Councillor Ron Woodley, deputy leader (cabinet member for transport, asset management and inward investment), said: “Regeneration schemes such as the Airport Business Park and The Launchpad development are vital to driving opportunity, prosperity and the economic recovery of both Southend-on-Sea and the wider region. It will create more local employment, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, local business to expand and new ones to invest.
“The development is also being built to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and wellbeing, and the design and construction will also support the Council’s Green City Action Plan and environmental commitments by achieving the highest standards of environmental performance.
“The Council welcomes the appointment of Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver this new facility which will champion innovation and be a hub of activity at this exciting new development.”
Work has started on the development which is due to complete in summer 2022.
Morgan Sindall Construction has been championing the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), with the company producing a white paper on the barriers and benefits of modular construction
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