I4C Innovation Centre, Ballymena

The integrated consultancy team selected for the £1.2m contract will design and deliver a new 7,000m2 complex providing flexible space and facilities to support local cleantech businesses.

The four-storey I4C Innovation and Cleantech Center development will be built on the former 13ha St Patrick’s Barracks which is also earmarked for new social housing, civic events space, offices, PSNI Command Centre, Leisure, Health and Wellness Centre.

According to the brief: ‘The i4C will form a physical hub, supporting the borough’s future innovation activity and future cleantech (cleantech) sector needs across NI.

The proposal aims to address specific needs within the borough which include quality office accommodation, SME incubation lab spaces, hands-on support and spaces to help SMEs innovate and commercialize their ideas.

The project also provides the opportunity to acquire university partners and competency centers to establish their footprint in the region as part of the iLAB facility.

Renewable technologies must be integrated into the design and fabric ethos of the i4C Innovation and Clean Technology Center building. The building should also receive an EXCELLENT rating from BREAAM.

Located 35 kilometers northwest of Belfast, Ballymena is the eighth largest city in Northern Ireland. Notable buildings in the area include the 67-hectare waterfront ECOS Center which was completed by WDR + RT Taggart Architects at the turn of the millennium.

St. Patrick’s Barracks, located on a large riverside site east of Ballymena town centre, was used by the United States Army during World War II before becoming home to the Royal Ulster Rifles, Royal Irish Guards, and later the Royal Irish Regiment.

The base closed in 2007 with the site earmarked for redevelopment and the existing former military buildings partially demolished. The Belfast-based Black Douglas Hall won an award Design competition organized by Radius Homes for 150 new social homes On the site five years ago.

The latest £16.9m project will provide a new innovation center on site comprising offices, laboratories, workshops, flexible meeting rooms, teaching spaces, event area and foyer.

Second round bids will be evaluated 50 percent on quality, 10 percent on social value and 40 percent on cost. Applicants are required to have occupational indemnity insurance of £5 million and general liability insurance of £10 million.