Work to build advanced manufacturing centre in Rougham, near Bury St Edmunds, to begin in winter as Pentaco Construction contracted
The town of Bury St Edmunds is on the cusp of a revolutionary development that promises to transform the local economy and cement its position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering. After years of planning and perseverance, work is finally set to begin on a pioneering manufacturing hub at Suffolk Business Park in Rougham. This state-of-the-art facility, which has been made possible through a £15 million investment, will be the first of its kind in the area and is expected to have a profound impact on the local community. The hub will provide a home for 17 start-up businesses, as well as conference and meeting spaces, creating a vibrant ecosystem that will foster innovation, collaboration, and growth.
The journey to this milestone has not been without its challenges. Plans for the hub had been in motion for several years, but faced setbacks due to external pressures and funding issues. However, thanks to the unwavering commitment of West Suffolk Council and the support of local partners, the project has finally gained momentum. The council has contracted Pentaco Construction to bring the vision to life, and work is slated to commence during the winter months. Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, from West Suffolk Council, expressed his delight at the progress, highlighting the significance of the hub in driving sustainable growth and supporting local businesses. “The AME Centre promises to 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 for the benefit of our local communities,” he said.
The funding for the project has been made possible through a combination of sources, including locally retained business rates from the Enterprise Zone at Suffolk Business Park, a £250,000 commitment from the county council, and a capital grant of up to £2 million over 15 years from Suffolk Business Board. This investment is a testament to the confidence that stakeholders have in the project and its potential to drive economic growth and development in the region. As the UK government has identified advanced manufacturing as a key sector to boost economic growth, the timing of this project could not be more opportune. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and science to create products more efficiently, the hub is poised to become a catalyst for innovation and job creation, addressing skills shortages and keeping Suffolk competitive in the sector.
The AME Centre is more than just a physical facility; it represents a beacon of hope and opportunity for the local community. By providing a platform for start-ups to flourish and existing businesses to expand, it has the potential to create a ripple effect of growth and prosperity that will be felt throughout the region. The hub’s focus on advanced manufacturing and engineering will also help to address the skills gap in these areas, providing training and employment opportunities for local residents and attracting top talent from across the country. As Cllr Wijenayaka noted, “I look forward to seeing the AME Centre start to take shape as construction gets underway and welcoming the first tenants when the centre opens in the near future.”
Pentaco Construction, the company tasked with bringing the hub to life, has expressed its pride and excitement at being part of the project. “We’re both proud and excited to be delivering the AME Centre in partnership with West Suffolk Council,” they said. “A great project in which we can help shape a future-ready facility that will serve as a catalyst for growth across the region.” This partnership is a testament to the collaborative spirit that has defined the project from its inception, with local stakeholders and partners working together to create something truly special. As the construction gets underway, the people of Bury St Edmunds and surrounding areas can look forward to a brighter future, one that is powered by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to growth and development.
As the winter months approach, the town of Bury St Edmunds is bracing itself for a new era of growth and development. The AME Centre is more than just a manufacturing hub; it represents a symbol of hope and opportunity for the local community. With its focus on advanced manufacturing and engineering, it has the potential to create a new generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders. As the project takes shape, it is clear that the future of Bury St Edmunds is bright, and the AME Centre is set to play a starring role in the town’s journey towards a more prosperous and sustainable future. With its state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative workspaces, and commitment to innovation, the hub is poised to become a beacon of excellence, attracting businesses, talent, and investment to the region, and cementing Bury St Edmunds’ position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering.
