A new enterprise centre to be built on the Norwich Research Park at the University of East Anglia (UEA) with innovative use of natural materials and the most advanced approaches to low carbon – is set to be a major stimulus to the region’s economy and to the UK low carbon sector.

UEA is providing funding of nearly £7m and £2.5m comes from a £26m government investment in the NRP from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council to provide the infrastructure to promote economic growth by commercialising the region’s world-class bioscience research.

The centre will be housed in a new building of up to 4,000 square metres, scheduled to be built in 2013 and opened the following year.

A design competition will take place with the aim of producing a building that is architecturally distinguished as well as demonstrating the highest levels of energy performance and lowest carbon footprint of any facility yet built.

Project director Dr John French, chief executive of the Low Carbon Innovation Centre and of InCrops Enterprise Hub, both based at UEA and part of the new centre, said the project was aiming high.

“This will be a first in the UK University and Business sectors, further advancing UEA’s low carbon credentials and setting new standards in building concept and design through the innovative use of natural materials and bio-based products. It will provide leadership and inspiration to businesses and entrepreneurs,” he said.

Other collaborators in the project, which aims to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and Passivhaus Certification – the highest marks for energy performance and sustainability – are world-leading built environment research organisation BRE and the Fraunhofer Institute and Kingston University, which bring unique contributions in the field of sustainable materials, new technologies and design.

The building will host a new Centre for the Built Environment with an area dedicated to showcasing, monitoring and testing new sustainable products and bio-based materials from local companies.

It will be used as the main demonstration project for the regional low carbon strategy to exemplify best practice in low carbon materials and design to the small business sector.

In addition, it will house an early stage incubator for new start-up businesses to further enhance opportunities for UEA graduates and encourage staff across the NRP to start their own businesses.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Edward Acton said the project not only demonstrated the University’s global reputation in the environmental sciences, but also its commitment to enterprise, and it highlighted the key role of the Norwich Research Park as a driver of the local economy.

“At a time when economic stimuli are much needed, UEA is delighted to be leading a project that will deliver business support to over 500 businesses and create over 250 jobs in the immediate area,” he said.

“Another exciting feature will give students from across the NRP the opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills that could enhance their career prospects, develop enterprise ideas and even launch their own companies. It will also provide high quality academic space.

“This will be a signature building at the entrance to UEA, reflecting our commitment to business and to coping with the demands of climate change and helping the business community adapt. Universities are about changing lives and rethinking the world; this project does both.”

The NRP Enterprise Centre will create an important focal point for engagement with industry and commerce. Every stage in the project will be monitored and its low carbon performance reported and disseminated.

David Morrall, Head of ERDF and RGF at the Department for Communities and Local Government, East of England,said: “This is a landmark project for low carbon development and will pave the way for new ways of working. It shows the vital importance of European structural funding. It also builds upon the success of the Low Carbon Innovation Centre and InCrops Enterprise Hub based at UEA and sites across East Anglia.”

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Project director Dr John French