NEWS
Future-proofers – The Wilton Centre is one of 12 innovation hubs owned by the Pioneer Group .
TOMORROW ’ S WORLD
Wilton Centre ’ s eyes fixed firmly on the future
Teesside ’ s Wilton Centre , which had long been associated with its past as ICI ’ s headquarters , now has its eyes firmly fixed on the future .
Over the past few weeks , it has been hosting a series of events looking at the challenges we will all be facing – from the threat of more pandemics to feeding the world ’ s growing population – and how innovative businesses at the Wilton Centre and its 11 sister sites , alongside academics and experts , might hold some of the answers .
The first “ Pioneer Presents ...” was introduced by Toby Reid , the executive director of the centre ’ s owner , the Pioneer Group . He told the audience : “ We are driven by a belief in the power of innovation and collaboration to tackle the challenges of human and planetary care . “ Our role is to create places where that can happen ; to try to maximise the impact of the companies we house and support , while minimising our collective environmental footprint .”
Although Pioneer Group ’ s properties are now home to nearly 300 businesses , several of them used to be reliant on one single employer – such as ICI .
“ But ,” said Toby , “ these sites have transitioned to being robust , economically resilient communities made up of companies of a range of size , backgrounds and funding . And you will not find a better example of that than here at the Wilton Centre .”
That transformation looks set to take a further leap forward with plans to build nearly 150,000 sq ft of laboratories , manufacturing and warehouse space on brownfield land next to the centre but inside the Teesside Freeport boundary .
The planning application has been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council and is due for consideration .
Meanwhile , a combination of the Wilton Centre ’ s location , facilities and presence of like-minded businesses continues to attract new occupiers .
They include Storelectric , which specialises in providing long duration energy storage solutions to meet the evolving needs of industry .
Project director Daren Smith said : “ Our proximity to key industry players within the Wilton Centre creates unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange .
“ We are committed to driving collective success and accelerating Teesside ’ s transition towards decarbonisation for the benefit of future generations .”
He added : “ Teesside ’ s rich history of innovation and industrial expertise alongside the natural landscape makes it an ideal location for Storelectric .
“ Our model utilises existing underground salt caverns , repurposing geological storage to align with our commitment to deliver a greener , more sustainable future .”
And a greener , more sustainable future is the driving force for a well-established Wilton Centre occupier that is starting to attract a great deal of high profile attention .
For more information about the Wilton Centre contact Claire Morton on c . morton @ wiltoncentre . com
Stuff4Life is in a joint venture with Arco – the UK ’ s leading safety products , workwear and services company – to produce longer-lasting new polyester workwear made out of high value raw materials extracted from discarded protective clothing and uniforms , which would otherwise end up in landfill sites or incinerators .
Earlier this year the business was nominated for the prestigious £ 1m Earthshot Prize , a competition that was launched and continues to be championed by Prince William .
Closer to home , Stuff4Life won two categories at April ’ s Tees Business Awards . It received trophies for Green Innovation as well as Innovation , which was sponsored by Pioneer Group and presented by Wilton Centre site director Steve Duffield .
As well as celebrating the company ’ s success , co-founder John Twitchen called on all businesses to do all they can to eliminate waste .
He said : “ What we ’ re doing needs to become the norm for organisations across materials , products and services pretty rapidly and it ’ s great we can inspire others to challenge how they make and do stuff .”
He added : “ The materials and products we all consume need to be used much more wisely through circular economies .
“ It ’ s good to be green but it ’ s even better to be mainstream – that ’ s our mission .”
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