Initial design plans for a new advanced engineering lab for the food and drink industry will be drawn up by the Stamford-based design firm Arctica.
The Sheffield Hallam University National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering centre will aim to provide the UK with a major competitive advantage in the food and drink industry, and will feature laboratories, workshops and teaching spaces. It will also tackle food industry challenges such as productivity, producing more for less, minimising waste and reducing costs.
Founded as an architectural practice specialising in the food industry, Arctica now offers a multi-disciplinary ‘one stop shop’ for design and construction management of buildings for food processing and industry.
Arctica director Jon Fowler said: “The designs for the centre capitalise on two core areas of Arctica’s expertise; food manufacturing and education. We have extensive experience and specialist design knowledge of the food processing industry and delivering buildings for education. Our depth of knowledge covers architecture, services, process, cost consultancy and project management.
“Designing buildings for education, including teaching spaces, laboratories and eating facilities, requires the ability to blend diverse skills. High quality design, people flows and fire strategy have to be combined with a human touch to create spaces that enable staff to both educate and nurture pupils.”
Dr Martin Howarth, director of the new facility , said: 'The Centre will support the food and drink industry to develop and implement new and enhanced facilities, processes and equipment, to keep the UK at the forefront of a very competitive sector.”
