Contractor appointed for Lincoln research scheme

Willmott Dixon has been contracted to build the University of Lincoln’s £7M agri-food research and development (R&D) facility at Peppermint Park – part of the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) in Holbeach.

The new centre of excellence in agri-food technology, which has been procured via Scape Major Works, part of the National Construction framework, will facilitate pioneering research, skills provision and knowledge exchange for agri-food businesses across Lincolnshire and beyond.

Stuart Kerr, Operations Director at Willmott Dixon said: “This is a pivotal scheme for Lincolnshire, and we are excited to have reached this significant milestone in its delivery. The region is at the cutting-edge of the agri-food sector and R&D is going to continue shaping this work, especially thanks to the new centre of excellence.’

The facility will build on the success of the university’s existing Holbeach campus, which is home to the National Centre for Food Manufacturing. It will include microbiology and chemistry laboratories, a high-tech test kitchen and sensory suite, breakout space, and seminar rooms, and will act as an innovation hub – promoting the rapid uptake of advanced technologies such as robotics and automation, and ensuring the UK’s agri-food industry remains competitive.

Professor Val Braybrooks, Dean of Holbeach and the National Centre for Food Manufacturing at the University of Lincoln added: “The agri-food sector and its supply chains are of enormous importance to the county economically, and evolving global food markets are creating unprecedented opportunities for both established and early stage businesses as suppliers of innovative new products and technologies.”