First look at plans for £5m Michelin Parc hub

PLANS for the flagship £4.75 million space at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) have been revealed.

The 1,200 sq m hub will be a purpose-built facility on the former tyre factory site.

It will allow people to work together on developing, testing and marketing new products, deliver a programme of innovation activity and access to support programmes.

Dundee City Council previously secured £3.5m of funding from the Tay Cities Deal Industrial Investment Fund to support the plans.

Detailed design work is already under way, and the planning application has been submitted.

MSIP chief operating officer Colin McIlraith said: “The innovation hub is a core part of the transformation programme, which is already under way.

“The design provides a dynamic space housing a changing mixture of people, all aspiring to achieve the same goal of net-zero.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure that the design considers the environmental impact of the space, both in its development and in the future when it will be in use.

“It’s great to be able to now share what the Innovation Hub will look like.

“It’s ambitious but achievable, which is what MSIP is all about.”

MSIP innovation director Sarah Petrie said it would be the focal point for new ideas.

She said it was important that the space attracted and retained the best talent to stimulate ideas and collaboration.

Ms Petrie said: “It’s a key part of the offer at MSIP.

“It will be a driver for business formation and growth, harnessing know-how, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.”

She said it would be a “gateway for new businesses and a stepping-stone for small businesses.”

Ms Petrie added: “It is vital that this space is an exciting, modern, fun and accessible environment.”