Following discussions with West Suffolk Council and the Combined Authority / Business Board LEP, Jaynic has just submitted another planning application for an Innovation/Business Centre at Haverhill Research Park, but in a different location to previous proposals.
A new 30,000 sq ft four-storey Centre, to be known as the ‘EpiCentre’, has been proposed on plot 100 at the gateway to the town from the north-west and adjacent to the Spirit of Enterprise roundabout, where it will have maximum visual impact, creating a prominent ‘landmark’ building at the entrance into Haverhill.
Replicating the previous permissions, the development will comprise high specification offices and dry R&D accommodation in a range of sizes from 170 - 7,000 sq ft, together with conference and meetings rooms, training facilities and a ‘work-hub’ area for shared working. As before there will be a coffee shop / café with an external break out area.
It is planned that the EpiCentre will offer early-stage companies tailored support services designed to boost the growth of their businesses ranging from cost –effective, flexible, managed space to business advice, integrated telecoms, broadband internet access and networking facilities.
Jaynic has applied to the Combined Authority / Business Board LEP for Capital funding grant towards the cost of building the EpiCentre and has also asked West Suffolk Council to consider lending the remaining cost until the building is up and operating.
Jaynic managing director, Nic Rumsey, says: “The proposed new location for EpiCentre will provide a landmark building at the gateway to Haverhill which should prove attractive for start-up and growing companies.”
He adds: “We are demonstrating our good faith and commitment to the project by speculatively applying for permission. However whilst it is our greatest ambition to finally get the EpiCentre built, it is unlikely to happen without the financial support of the LEP and West Suffolk. It is expected that both the LEP and West Suffolk will have formally determined their position by the end of March 2019.”
