NORR has been appointed to lead the design of the Moray Aerospace, Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus (MAATIC) which will work with both the RAF and private partners to support the new fleet of Poseidon submarine hunters being based in Lossiemouth, Scotland.
The MAATIC is supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £12.3 million from regional partners as part of the Moray Growth Deal. The facility, led by Moray College UHI, will house three strands of work within the MAATIC project – the Aviation Academy, the Advanced Technologies Institute and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise led Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray (MICM).
Winning the tender unanimously against 11 other companies, the reviewing panel were very impressed with NORR’s submission and its understanding of the concept and requirements of the MAATIC project.
“We are proud to have been selected as the Architect for the Moray Aerospace, Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus (MAATIC)’ said John Baird, Managing Director of NORR’s UK region. Our approach is highly collaborative and based around a detailed understanding of our client’s vision – combined with local knowledge and experience of delivering higher education, aerospace, and advanced engineering projects.”
The MAATIC project concept and design phase is due to start in March 2021 and will take the project to the next step towards the construction phase due to start in April 2022.
“The awarding of this design contract marks a significant step in the development of what will be a Moray-based hub of applied engineering excellence’ said Dr Gary Campbell PFHEA, Vice-Principal Strategic Development for the University of the Highlands and Islands. The MAATIC will provide a leading role in generating innovative ideas and will be a catalyst for research and sharing of ideas and knowledge. It will be an iconic and mould-breaking facility where an ecosystem of college, university, industry, and the public operate together to identify, develop, and share new and relevant ideas in the spheres of aviation, aerospace and applied advanced technology.”
David Patterson, Principal and Chief Executive, Moray College UHI who is the lead body for the MAATIC project said: “We are delighted with the award of the architect services contract to NORR for the concept and design of the MAATIC building. In their submission, NORR demonstrated their depth of experience working with similar projects and won the tender unanimously against 11 other excellent proposals. This project will provide high level skills training in Moray and will help to attract high-skilled jobs into our region. It is an exciting step in the development of the innovative MAATIC project and the overall Moray Growth Deal. We look forward to seeing the project develop towards the construction phase starting in 2022”
Stuart Black, Moray Area Manager, Highlands and Islands Enterprise [HIE] “We are pleased to be a partner in the MAATIC development which will be a flagship project for the Moray Growth Deal. Our own growth deal project, the Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray, will be co-located on the Lossiemouth site and provide support for existing and new manufacturing businesses. It will assist the economic recovery from Covid and create new employment opportunities in an area which is renowned for high-quality food and drink, textiles, advanced engineering and timber products”.
NORR is also involved in another major project in this region, leading the design team in the development of the UK’s first satellite launch Space Hub in Sutherland.
About MAATIC
Moray Aerospace, Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus (MAATIC) will be a training, innovation and research development facility which will support aerospace and other manufacturing enterprises in the region. It will develop advanced engineering skills in the region’s workforce, with specialisms in aviation, aerospace, and digital manufacturing. The MAATIC will stimulate and inspire innovative STEM activity in the region’s economy. It will be accessible, safe, and exciting and will act as a showcase of what is possible.
The MAATIC will be a world-class bespoke new-build facility that will provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for students, staff, and businesses, offering training, education and research capabilities that respond to industry need and facilitate innovation. The building will provide accommodation for the following elements to operate effectively and in full collaboration with each other, incorporating spaces for students, staff and businesses to co-mingle and share ideas, and offering opportunities for co-working and cross-pollination of thinking and origination.
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