Cheshire is set to transform its technological landscape. Plans for a new multi-million pound 3D printing facility have been unveiled. The initiative promises significant contributions to the region’s economy and innovation.
A Collaborative Vision
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Tatton Estate and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) are joining forces to establish a state-of-the-art tech facility. The strategic location between Altrincham and Knutsford, near Manchester Airport, underpins its ambition to become a regional and global leader in 3D printing advances.
The partnership solidified its intentions by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the MIPIM property and investment event in Cannes. This agreement marks a significant step towards realising a cutting-edge hub for the North West’s burgeoning industrial digital technologies sector.
Innovating the North West
Dubbed the Cheshire 3D Print Hub (C3D), this facility will receive an initial investment of £6 million, creating a vital addition to the North West’s tech landscape. The site, situated on Tatton Estate’s Yarwood Heath Farm as part of the Cheshire Gateway scheme, will offer grow-on incubation spaces designed to nurture emerging technology companies.
With 40,000 square feet of existing buildings, easily accessed from Junction 7 of the M56 and the new Knutsford-Bowdon A556 dual carriageway, the hub provides an ideal location for fostering innovation.
National and International Impact
“C3D is a very exciting prospect, regionally, nationally and internationally,” stated Henry Brooks, managing director of Tatton Group. This initiative is not merely about regional development; it addresses the global imperative for enhancing UK manufacturing and fostering socio-economic growth.
As Cheshire positions itself within an international corridor of science and innovation, facilities like C3D play a crucial role. They leverage the region’s substantial science-based assets, including globally significant entities.
Academic and Economic Synergies
Professor Craig Banks, from Manchester Met, emphasised the project’s ambition to create an open science and technology hub. This will bolster research capabilities and foster business investment, particularly benefiting SMEs.
The combination of premier academic resources and practical business opportunities aims to elevate the region’s technological prowess. It fosters a thriving environment conducive to groundbreaking research and commercial growth.
The Cheshire Science Corridor
The broader Cheshire Science Corridor already hosts several high-profile tech sites, such as Capenhurst Technology Park and Sci-Tech Daresbury. The addition of C3D strengthens this corridor’s reputation, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation.
Leveraging existing infrastructure, C3D aligns with noteworthy projects like Alderley Park and the globally renowned Jodrell Bank, positioning Cheshire as a beacon of scientific and technological advancement.
Community and Industry Engagement
The Tatton Group, in partnership with the Cheshire and Warrington delegation, is committed to engaging with both public and private sectors. Their collective expertise is pivotal in driving the project forward.
This collaboration underscores the project’s wide-reaching impact, facilitating a robust network of support and resource-sharing, vital for its success.
A Future of Innovation in Cheshire
The C3D project epitomises forward-thinking innovation, aligning with the region’s strategic goals to enhance technological and economic landscapes. This facility is poised to become a cornerstone of Cheshire’s tech industry.
The project reaffirms Cheshire’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic science and technology sector that promises to deliver sustained growth and global recognition.
As plans for the C3D facility unfold, Cheshire stands at the forefront of technological innovation. This initiative not only strengthens the regional economy but positions Cheshire as a leader in digital and manufacturing advancements.
