Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus

Overview

The Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus (AberInnovation) is a state-of-the-art research and innovation hub, designed to foster groundbreaking advancements in agri-tech, biotechnology, and food science.

Located at Aberystwyth University’s Gogerddan Campus, the project was delivered in two phases, incorporating three specialist research buildings:

• Seed Biobank & Seed Processing Facility – a critical resource housing 35,000 seed varieties for global agricultural research.

• Biorefining Centre – a pilot-scale bio-processing and industrial biotechnology facility

• Future Food Centre, Advanced Analysis Centre & Innovation Hub – a high-tech testing and development space for novel food products and industry collaboration.
Achieving BREEAM Excellent certification, the project minimized environmental impact while maximizing research capabilities. Delivered on time and on budget, it now serves as a catalyst for innovation-led businesses and industry partnerships.

Project Highlights

A Cutting-Edge Innovation Hub, the AIEC campus comprimises:

• Seed Biobank & Processing Unit, preserving over 35,000 seed varieties in precision climate-controlled storage.

• Biorefining Centre, enabling bioprocessing, waste stream optimization, and chemical extraction from biomass.

• Future Food Centre, featuring, food-grade production labs, sensory testing booths and dedicated kitchens for real-time consumer testing, as well as advanced nutritional and compositional analysis facilities

• Innovation Hub, providing meeting, conference, and networking spaces for industry and academic collaboration.

Sustainability & Environmental Credentials

• BREEAM Excellent rating achieved, exceeding industry sustainability standards.

• 29% reduction in regulated CO₂ emissions and 40% reduction in water use compared to conventional buildings.

• On-site PV panels, reducing reliance on grid energy.

• 96% of construction waste diverted from landfill, supporting a circular economy.

• Ecological enhancements, including a new wildflower meadow for biodiversity and animal grazing, a "green wall" promoting sustainable urban integration and a bug sanctuary creation, repurposing timber from a protected tree to enhance local wildlife habitats.

Community & Social Impact

• 682 apprentice weeks delivered, exceeding WEFO (Welsh European Funding Office) training commitments.

• 23 weeks of work experience provided to local students.

• 11 new jobs created, including four long-term roles for disadvantaged individuals.
• 290 pupil interactions, supporting STEM education and career development.

• Over 145 volunteer hours dedicated to community legacy projects, including refurbishing Gogerddan Childcare Nursery and reconstructing Penrhyncoch War Memorial.

• Bilingual engagement, ensuring inclusivity through Welsh and English communications.

Challenges Overcome

• Complex groundworks on a sloping site including a £1m cost-saving innovation that removed the need for retaining walls by adjusting building footprints.

• Construction on a live university campus adjacent to a working farm involved weekly "campfire meetings" with the farm manager coordinated site activities with lambing and harvest seasons.

• Decanting of 35,000 seed varieties - a precision logistics strategy ensured a seamless transition without research disruption.

Professor Elizabeth Treasure, vice-chancellor of Aberystwyth University said:

“Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus is an exceptional development that brings new industry partnerships and jobs to the region. It is an example of the University working collaboratively to ensure that the excellent research carried out here – particularly within our Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) – acts as a catalyst for innovative practice which has an impact on the wider economy.’’

With a gross internal floor area of over 7,400m2, the impressive campus features a series of interconnected buildings. The building elevations utilise a variety of external materials including brick, timber, and living walls and roof.

Ian Jones, director of Willmott Dixon in Wales and The West said:

"The size and scale of the project is impressive, and highlights the University’s commitment to delivering world-class research and innovation facilities."