EU Commissioner visits the National Graphene Institute

13 Mar 2014

EU Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn has visited the National Graphene Institute.

The Commissioner, who approved a £23m investment via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) towards the £61m Institute, was given a guided tour of the construction site by Sir Kostya Novoselov.

Set to open in early 2015, the 7,800 square metre building will see academics and commercial partners working side by side to create the graphene applications of the future.

The remaining £38m was provided by the UK Government through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Commissioner Hahn was given an overview of graphene research at the University by Professor Novoselov, as well as information about commercialisation and a progress report on the building. He was also presented with a limited edition picture of graphene signed by Sir Kostya.

He then was given a guided tour of the site by Sir Kostya, including where the main cleanroom will be located on the lower ground floor to achieve best vibration performance. Designed by Jestico+Whiles, the building will also include a second cleanroom; plus laser, optical, metrology and chemical laboratories; a seminar room and offices as well as ancillary accommodation.

BAM Construction started work on the NGI in July last year and it is now week 27 of a 66 week project. The main concrete frame of the five storey building is complete and it is now working on the external envelope and cladding works to the glass-fronted building, the internal blockwork, partition walls and installation of mechanical and electrical services. The fit out of the cleanrooms will begin in mid-April and equipment is due to be moved into the building from the end of this year with completion in 2015.

Also at the event were leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese and Arlene McCarthy MEP, as well as Baroness Stowell.