UKREiiF | Runway Park launched by University of Sheffield
The 100-acre development will be located on the site of the former Sheffield City Airport, and aims to link the University’s research work with real-world challenges faced by businesses.
Bond Bryan led the masterplan for the scheme, which was also designed by Fairhursts.
Runway Park will be located from Europa Avenue to Europa Rise in Tinsley, and will be shaped around four distinct zones: research, innovation, manufacturing and leisure, and be designed to suit occupiers with custom builds, from small-scale co-working to large-scale manufacturing.
The land is owned by the University and is surrounded by companies such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and McLaren, in the heart of the county’s advanced manufacturing efforts.
The project will expand the University of Sheffield Innovation District, which was developed in 2015 when Factory 2050, the UK’s first reconfigurable digital factory, was completed.
Since then, the University has established further specialist research centres in the area, including the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Innovation Centre, and works alongside industrial partners.
In 2018, Boeing opened its first European manufacturing site nearby, following almost two decades of collaboration between the company and the University of Sheffield.
Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “The evolution of the University’s innovation district with the launch of Runway Park marks a significant milestone in our mission to help the region reach its full potential, while making an even stronger contribution to economic growth.
“We have seen the impact of innovation-led growth, with the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) transforming the Sheffield/Rotherham border into a global hub for advanced manufacturing over the last 20 years.
“As part of the UK’s first government-backed Investment Zone in South Yorkshire, our vision for Runway Park will build on this considerable momentum.
“We look forward to working with partners to deliver bespoke solutions to industry, catalyse growth opportunities, and attract the investment the region needs to continue on a path to prosperity.”
Linda Goodacre, director of estates and facilities at the University of Sheffield, said: “Runway Park reflects our long-term commitment to creating places that are not only fit for the future, but actively help shape it.
“Designed with flexibility, resilience and sustainability at its core, the site brings together high-performance buildings and green infrastructure to offer exceptional working and collaboration environments for tenants of all sizes.
“From our energy-efficient facilities and on-site renewable energy to acres of biodiverse parkland and walkable green space, Runway Park gives businesses the room – and the responsibility – to grow sustainably.”
