The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

The drive to create a world-class sustainable workforce and energy industry in West Cumbria has taken another significant step forward with the planning application for a dedicated research and development centre at Westlakes Science and Technology Park being submitted to Copeland Borough Council.

The initial £20million investment for the project is jointly funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and the University of Manchester.

The concept to create a research and development facility that specialises in nuclear decommissioning engineering and radiation sciences was first announced in January 2007. Since then a detailed business case has been put together, professors to lead each discipline recruited and the design of a new building determined.

A contract was awarded to Energus last October to drive forward the design and submit the planning application. Using the expertise gained by Energus in developing its facility at Lillyhall should guarantee the successful completion of the centre, adding another world-class establishment to the West Cumbria skills infrastructure.

Previously referred to as the Dalton Cumbria Facility, the building will be on the northern corner of Westlakes, near the Summergrove complex. The facility will complement other research facilities on the park such as the Geoffrey Schofield Laboratory and Westlakes Research Institute. It will also maximise links with the emerging National Nuclear Laboratory and the Sellafield Technology centre.

Looking at the artist's impressions, parts of the building may look a little familiar. Like Energus there is focus on using Lakeland stone to create a focal point. At Energus, it is the lecture theatre, while for this new research facility it is the central core of the building.

The overall concept is developing too, with plans for additional research space for related science users and the inclusion of a Pelletron. This is an electrostatic particle accelerator and will be one of only three operating in the UK and be invaluable to the research community.

Subject to planning approval, the aim is to start work on site in September. With Energus, the National Nuclear Laboratory and now this new research facility all well underway, the NDA's skills strategy and the Energy Coast Vision are fast becoming a practical reality.