Refurbishment of existing building and construction of new facility in order to provide a physical focus on innovation support and enterprise development.
The University of Sunderland’s Hope St Xchange is in the heart of Sunderland, providing a physical focus for innovation support and enterprise development in Sunderland and the North East. The Centre supports new and established businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the North East, and works with schools to inspire young people to get involved in business, technology and science.
The Centre includes a FabLab, providing equipment and advice for the prototyping and design of new products, help and advice to tackle innovation challenges, and support for the commercialisation of new products and services. The North East Fab Lab actively promotes STEM skills, activities and education through the provision of open access workshop and lab space; access to specialist equipment (e.g. CNC Routers, 3D printers, laser cutters, IT and software) and materials; and the provision of advice and expertise to support innovation, enterprise, and the commercialisation of new products and services.
Hope St Xchange was opened in March 2017.
Start of feasibility and business case development
Project approved and in construction phase
Project live and construction complete
