by Adam Williams

Finishing touches are being made to the new Canterbury Innovation Centre at Kent University.

The three-storey structure, which houses 86 offices, studios and workshops, represents the first phase in the development of the University’s new Technology Park at the Canterbury campus.

The Innovation Centre (pictured left) hopes to become a hub for new hi-tech businesses and encourage entrepreneurship among local graduates looking to start companies.

Centre manager Jo Clark says the new venture can put Canterbury on the technological map.

"The local economy traditionally relies on shopping and tourism," she said, "so we’re hoping we can create a centre for technological development and encourage more investment in the area from outside of the county.

"The groups who have already signed up as tenants all fit into a certain criteria as technology and industry based.

"Students and staff from the university will also have the opportunity to use the space to help them with their innovations."

Morgan Ashurst began construction of the £7m building in December last year. Funding has been provided by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and the centre will be owned by the East Kent Spatial Development Company.

The building also boasts a long list of green credentials and features. Solar and photovoltaic panels on the roof will provide electricity and will heat water, with a biomass boiler fed by woodchips from nearby Blean Forest.

A rainwater harvesting system will collect water from the roof before being treated and used to flush toilets inside. Parking is also available on site for more than 100 cars.

An official opening ceremony is expected to take place next summer.