University of Northampton Innovation Centre ‘topped out’ at official ceremony

The University of Northampton and Kier Construction are pleased to announce that the ‘topping out’ ceremony for the new University of Northampton Innovation Centre took place on Wednesday 3 September 2014.

In building construction, ‘topping out’ is traditionally the ceremony held when the structural frame to a new building is complete. To celebrate the occasion, Terry Neville, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Northampton and Sean Yeo, Operations Director of Kier Construction, joined a group of invited guests on the roof of the landmark building. Terry and Sean unveiled a plaque that was presented by Kier Construction to the University of Northampton.

Terry Neville and Sean Yeo were joined at the event by representatives from organisations including; Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire County Council, Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, Turner & Townend, Arup and Broadway Malyan.

Terry Neville commented: “We are pleased and proud to be in the final stages of development for the new Innovation Centre. The University of Northampton Innovation Centre will be a flagship development for the social innovation sector and will support businesses that tackle social problems in an enterprising way. Encouraging entrepreneurship is crucial to the University and significantly enhances the experience and employability prospects we offer to our students.”

Kier Construction’s Operations Director, Sean Yeo, added: “We are delighted to be working on the University of Northampton Innovation Centre project.  This building is the latest to be delivered as part of a very successful working relationship with the University team.  We look forward to the completion and handover of the Innovation Centre, and hope to continue working with the University of Northampton in the future.”

The £8.5m University of Northampton Innovation Centre is a flagship building for the Northampton Enterprise Zone. With 42 flexible office units, a cafe and conference space, the centre offers the opportunity for enterprises to grow in a supportive environment alongside like-minded businesses. With a wide range of services, the businesses located within the centre will have access to specialist University of Northampton business support.

For further information regarding the Innovation Centre, visit the website​, or call 01604 779011.