The town of Bury St Edmunds in West Suffolk is on the cusp of an exciting new development, one that promises to bring about a surge in economic growth, innovation, and job creation. The West Suffolk Council has announced that construction work on its advanced manufacturing and engineering centre, known as the AME Centre, will commence this winter. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support startup businesses and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. The centre will feature 17 flexible, self-contained workshop units, as well as shared meeting and conference spaces, making it an ideal hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses to flourish. By filling a critical gap in the market, the AME Centre is expected to have a transformative impact on the local economy, enabling sustainable development, closing skills shortages, and maintaining Suffolk’s competitive edge in the advanced manufacturing sector.
The AME Centre is the result of a collaborative effort between West Suffolk Council, Enterprise Zone funding, and Suffolk County Council, with the Suffolk Business Board also lending its support. The project has been in the works for some time, with planning permission secured in July. Now, with the selection of Pentaco Construction as the building contractor, the project is ready to move forward. Pentaco Construction has expressed its excitement and pride in being part of this project, stating that it is eager to help shape a future-ready facility that will serve as a catalyst for growth across the region. The company’s enthusiasm is matched by that of Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, who is delighted to have Pentaco on board to build the AME Centre. Cllr Wijenayaka believes that the centre will play a transformative role in sustainable growth for the local economy, supporting new and existing businesses to grow and creating opportunities for skills, training, and employment.
The AME Centre is designed to capitalize on the area’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, which is a key sector identified in the government’s Industrial Strategy as a driver of economic growth in the UK. By providing a supportive ecosystem for startup businesses and entrepreneurs, the centre will foster innovation and business growth, creating a vibrant network of businesses that will propel the local economy forward. The centre’s focus on advanced manufacturing will also help to address skills shortages in the sector, providing opportunities for training and employment that will benefit local communities. As Cllr Wijenayaka noted, the AME Centre promises to be a game-changer for the local economy, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
One of the most exciting aspects of the AME Centre is its potential to support new and existing businesses to grow and thrive. The centre’s flexible, self-contained workshop units will provide entrepreneurs and small businesses with the space and resources they need to develop and scale their operations. The shared meeting and conference spaces will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration, helping to foster a sense of community and innovation among the centre’s tenants. With the centre’s focus on advanced manufacturing, it is expected to attract a diverse range of businesses, from startups to established companies, all of which will contribute to the local economy and help to create a thriving business ecosystem.
The selection of Pentaco Construction as the building contractor for the AME Centre is a significant milestone in the project’s development. With its expertise and experience in delivering complex construction projects, Pentaco is well-placed to bring the centre to life. The company’s commitment to delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget will ensure that the AME Centre is completed to the highest standards, providing a world-class facility for the centre’s tenants. As construction gets underway, the community can look forward to seeing the centre take shape, and the excitement is building as the first tenants prepare to move in. With the AME Centre, West Suffolk Council is investing in the future of the local economy, and the benefits will be felt for generations to come.
As the AME Centre begins to take shape, it is clear that this project is about more than just building a new facility – it is about creating a vibrant ecosystem that will drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation. The centre’s focus on advanced manufacturing will help to address skills shortages, provide opportunities for training and employment, and support new and existing businesses to grow and thrive. With the support of West Suffolk Council, Enterprise Zone funding, and Suffolk County Council, the AME Centre is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration and investment in the local economy. As Cllr Wijenayaka noted, the AME Centre promises to be a transformative force for the local economy, and its impact will be felt for years to come. With construction underway, the community can look forward to a bright future, one that is filled with opportunity, innovation, and growth. The AME Centre is a beacon of hope for the local economy, and its potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation is limitless.
