The creation of an Open Innovation Hub at BRE launching in spring 2022, will provide 30,000 sq. ft. of new commercial space to house innovative businesses specialising in the built environment.

Why?

The scheme involves the sustainable refurbishment of two existing buildings on BRE’s Garston campus, which are part of Hertfordshire IQ.

A variety of spaces and leasing options will be provided for new tenants, ranging from co-working rooms to open plan and cellular offices for rent.

The expansion of capacity at BRE will enable greater opportunities for collaboration and innovation. By delivering commercial floor space and creating new, high value jobs in a strategically important sector, the project will also help to accelerate the growth of the industry.

Impact

This project will enable greater opportunities for SME collaboration and innovation.

The project taking a ‘long life, loose fit’ approach to fit-out to ensure the buildings can adapt to market demand and alternative uses in the future.

The project will explore how the life of existing buildings can be extended through sustainable refurbishment. This supports BRE’s green ambition to refurb and retrofit, rather than re-build.

This will demonstrate a consistent and cost-effective approach to providing flexible, healthy, and low carbon workspaces that are more sustainable than current stock.

Funding

The Open Innovation Hub is one of five key projects selected to receive a share of Hertfordshire LEP’s £16.8m allocation as part of Getting Building Fund investment. With £2.2m now invested towards this project.

This project was approved by the board on the 24th September 2020.