Scion has launched its plans to build an innovation hub in the centre of its Rotorua campus with the reveal of design concepts.

A $2.5 million grant from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s regional infrastructure fund helped get the multi-million dollar project underway.

Scion CEO Julian Elder says the innovation hub will become the focal point of Scion’s campus and is part of a broader campus redevelopment that will foster innovation in the forestry, manufacturing, energy and sustainable land-use sectors.

“We, and our predecessors, have a proud history of innovation on this site but to take us into the future, our aging site needs upgrading. This investment will give us flexible and fit-for-purpose facilities that reflect the world-class science we do here.

“We are creating a unique and dynamic environment that will promote innovation, commercialisation and collaboration by bringing Scion staff and industry closer together.

“Engaging with the public is important too, and we will be opening up parts of the campus to our neighbours, local community and tourists,” says Julian.

Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor for the Rotorua constituency, Kevin Winters, says the project has the potential to provide a significant boost to not only the Rotorua economy but that of the wider region, bringing employment, economic benefits and innovation that will spill over to national benefits.

“We’re very pleased to be able to contribute to getting the hub underway, through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, and look forward to seeing the development progress,” says Kevin.

Scion worked closely with Architects RTA Studio and Irving Smith during the design phase to ensure the building will be a showcase for timber and sustainable building principles.

The innovation hub, to be accessed from Long Mile Road, will be the new entry point to Scion. The three-level building comprises an exhibition area, public café, main reception, meeting rooms, staff and tenant working spaces. It links to laboratories and testing facilities. Construction is expected to start before the end of this year, and is to be completed by December 2019.

The entire campus redevelopment programme started last year with a refit of Scion’s office block. In addition to the innovation hub, the programme includes upgrades of wood processing workshops and laboratories plus pilot-plant facilities. A landscape plan for the 112-ha site is also included to create a more cohesive environment.

Costing an estimated $18 million, the redevelopment is the largest in many years and follows a laboratory upgrade in 2012.

Scion is a Crown research institute that undertakes research, science and technology development for the forestry, wood product, wood-derived materials and other biomaterial sectors.

Scion’s work contributes to beneficial economic, environmental and social outcomes for NZ. The institute employs about 300 people and has its head office in Rotorua. Scion is the trading name for New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited. For more information, see: www.scionresearch.com