Work on the new Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) unit at the Carriage Works has reached fruition.
Representatives from the Council and the University of Bath got together earlier this week to formally hand over the keys, ahead of the innovation centre’s grand opening early next year.
iCAST, a collaborative initiative between the University of Bath and the University of Oxford, is dedicated to assisting private businesses in the development of sustainable technologies.
Situated in unit 7B of the Carriage Works, off London Street, the fresh addition adds to the expanding roster of redeveloped units within the historic building. This includes a cutting-edge media facility for Create Studios and the Cultural Heritage Institute, affiliated with The Royal Agricultural University.
Since 2016, the Council has spearheaded the regeneration of Brunel’s former Carriage Works site, diligently revitalising each area of the building for productive use.
The inaugural refurbished unit, The Workshed, commenced operations in 2018. This facility offers office space and serves as a business incubator, fostering the growth of entrepreneurs, pioneers, and creative thinkers.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Heritage, Art and Culture, said: “We’re very proud to be home to this initiative by University of Bath and Oxford University.
“iCAST are leading on innovation that will improve our world, and we believe that the Carriage Works, with its history of world-changing technology, is the perfect place for it to be.
“The refurbished units are prefect for the kind of creative collaboration that leads to new and exciting ideas being born.
“We’ve had so much development at the Carriage Works over recent years and we’re very keen for that to continue, including improving the external façade of the building and renovating more units to make the area thrive once again.”
You can find out more about the Carriage Works and other projects ongoing in the town centre by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/towncentreregeneration
