Morgan Sindall Construction’s Southern Home Counties Business has completed the transformation of the Crawley Innovation Centre, and handed it over to Crawley Borough Council (CBC) in the UK.
The Crawley Innovation Centre, previously a TUI-branded travel house, has undergone a significant change into an economic, innovation, and technological hub.
Representatives from Morgan Sindall, CBC, London Gatwick Airport, Gatwick Diamond Business, the Manor Royal Business District (BID), local businesses, and future tenants, including Naked Energy and Sweetinburgh & Windsor, toured the updated facility.
Procured through the SCAPE Construction framework, the project aimed to deliver extensive conversions and upgrades, including a new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) system.
The 2,500m² centre now comprises six workshop rooms, 23 offices, flexible co-working spaces, desk hire space, a business networking hub, and a café, all set to open in mid-2025.
The centre is seen as a critical element of Crawley’s 2022-2037 economic recovery plan and has been made possible through national government funding, allowing CBC to acquire and convert the building.
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By GlobalDataSituated within the Manor Royal BID, the centre is expected to stimulate Crawley’s economy post-Covid and drive further economic growth.
It is stated to enhance research and development, create manufacturing jobs, and attract business investment in the region.
Morgan Sindall’s Intelligent Solutions approach included collaboration with Encore, a recycling and waste management company, to ensure all waste from the site was reused or recycled.
The project, in partnership with the design and client teams, MSC, and the supply chain, resulted in a carbon reduction of over 110 tonnes, equivalent to heating 37 homes for a year.
As part of the SCAPE framework commitment, Morgan Sindall’s Southern Home Counties business aimed for a minimum social value return of 30% on the project.
Specifically, the team engaged the local supply chain, providing apprentice training, school engagement, and creating local jobs, with nearly £1m ($1.33m) spent locally, 80% of which was with small and medium-sized enterprises.
Collaborators such as Miller Bourne Architects, Stephen Wilson Partnership, a structural and civil engineering consultancy, Delta Green Environmental Design, and Yellow Wren Interior Design played key roles alongside Morgan Sindall in delivering the Crawley Innovation Centre.
Morgan Sindall Construction Southern Home Counties area director Guy Hannell said: “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Crawley Borough Council and SCAPE to deliver this Innovation Centre to the community. It’s admirable to see the commitment that Crawley Borough Council has to boosting the town’s economy, creating jobs and opportunities for innovative output. To be part of that legacy brings us great pride.
“We’re eager to seeing the research and development that comes out of Crawley as a result of the centre, and look forward to welcoming in the tenants who will be making this facility their new home.”
Earlier this month, Morgan Sindall Construction broke ground on a new purpose-built laboratory facility in King’s Cross, London. Appointed by European investor Kadans Science Partner, the UK-based company will lead the delivery of the project.
