Redditch Innovation Centre

Name: One Darnley Road
Price range: $

Worcestershire, UK

Services

Sectors

People

AHR Office RedditchInnovationCentre Redditch Architecture MainApproach

PROJECT OVERVIEW

A hub for innovation, collaboration and skills development

As part of the wider Redditch town centre regeneration, the new Innovation Centre will play a key role in driving local economic growth.

The 2,600m² facility has been designed to provide flexible and innovative workspace for both start-ups and established manufacturing businesses, with a particular focus on the growing digital and technology sectors.

By thoughtfully addressing local needs – including limited enterprise space, access to skills development and ageing infrastructure – the centre will unlock new opportunities for people and businesses across Redditch.

design concept

Flexible working environment to support innovation and business growth

Our design makes the most of the centre’s prominent location in Redditch town centre. The building is carefully arranged into two intersecting forms that open up views and connect with nearby landmarks like the Magistrates’ Court and Heart of Worcestershire College.

To create a warm, open and welcoming atmosphere, the ground floor includes a cafe, labs, workshops and flexible meeting and event spaces, all designed to support learning, community use and collaboration.

Inside, a mix of office spaces will suit both new and established businesses, with shared areas that encourage creativity and informal working. The layout is flexible, allowing the building to grow and adapt to the needs of its users.

To reflect the local character, we’ve carefully selected red brick and green glazed details – materials that feel both modern and rooted in Redditch’s heritage. The building has been designed to make a positive contribution to the town centre and its public spaces.

landscape design

Prioritising character, biodiversity and belonging

Our landscape strategy has been developed to support community engagement, enhance biodiversity and contribute to a more welcoming and accessible town centre environment.

Making it easy for everyone to navigate the space and feel welcome, our landscape design enhances accessibility and intuitive wayfinding.

To ensure the building settles comfortably into its surroundings, we’ve softened the site’s urban edges with green buffers and thoughtfully designed boundaries.

Carefully positioned trees will shape how the building is experienced, gently revealing views to create a sense of harmony with the surrounding context.

sustainability

Contributing to a low-carbon, future-ready town cenre

To create a welcoming environment for both work and socialising, the building’s massing and form have been thoughtfully shaped to make the most of natural light whilst limiting heat gain and encouraging a comfortable internal environment.

Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof will support the building’s overall energy performance, while well-considered drainage and flood mitigation measures respond to the site’s surface water conditions.

Inside, a flexible layout has been designed to accommodate future change, helping to minimise the need for significant refurbishment as requirements evolve. To support peoples’ wellbeing while keeping environment impact low, the project is targeting BREEAM Excellent, Active Score Gold and a 4-star NABERS UK rating.

Team