Ideal targets early 2025 opening for £60m R&D hub
Contractor Henry Boot has completed the steelwork structure of Ideal Heating’s 38,000 sq ft UK technology centre in Hull.
Ideal Heating’s research & development centre will support the development of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps, and drive further innovation in the way homes can be heated sustainably.
After a competitive tender process, Ideal Heating appointed Henry Boot Construction as lead contractor on the project.
The project is backed by more than £2m of seed capital funding from Humber Freeport, having been identified as a significant project which will help the region decarbonise its industries and transition to a net zero economy.
Craig Finn, director at Henry Boot Construction said: “We are delighted to be delivering this significant technology centre in Hull.
“Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our business, so it’s a pleasure to be working with a company that shares these values, alongside playing our part in contributing to a greener future for the UK.
“Like us, Ideal Heating is always looking to integrate new technologies and be at the forefront of the sector — in particular, trying to deliver more innovative low-carbon solutions – so this partnership was the perfect fit.”
Steelwork is now complete. Credit: Karl Andre Photography
Ideal Heating chief operations officer, Jason Speedy, added: “We’re part-way through a £60m development programme at our National Avenue headquarters in Hull, largely focused on heat pump production, distribution and innovation. The R&D facility forms a key part of that programme.
“But, more than that, the UK Technology Centre signals a new chapter in our 100-plus years of history in Hull. It will enable us to continue the evolution of the products which will heat homes for decades to come.”
The 38,000 sq ft facility will house a heat pump testing area, workshop spaces and a training room, as well as new lab facilities, a range of simulators, test rigs and environmental chambers.
The intention is for the centre to be operational by early 2025.
