Coveted award for agri-tech innovation Hub

A new central hub building at South Lincolnshire’s latest Food Enterprise Zone has won ‘Development Project of the Year’ at the Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards.

Dubbed the FEZ, the project was delivered by Lincolnshire County Council – and jointly funded by Greater Lincolnshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership. It aims to support the start-up and growth of agri-tech and agrifood sector businesses.

“The project truly captures the strategic importance of the agrifood industry to Greater Lincolnshire, and as an entry it offered a project outcome that achieved and exceeded the category’s objectives,” said judge Simon Morris, of construction consultants Gleeds.

Also notable was the building’s nod to the county’s strong links to Holland with Core Architects modelling the build on the iconic Dutch barn. Located in Holbeach, it brings together entrepreneurs with other experts in food and farming.

“It’s a visually appealing building and development, with a palette of materials that encapsulate and respect the architectural vernacular of this county. Importantly, it aligns a sense of place and purpose which is essential in design, but often lost or overlooked.”

Located at the heart of the UK Food Valley in Lincolnshire’s South Holland District, The Hub is part of the South Lincolnshire FEZ and is a collaborative space specifically designed for championing new agri-tech and agrifood sector SMEs.

The project has links to the Lincoln Institute of Agrifood Technology at Lincoln University’s Riseholme Campus – with the aim supporting and enhancing the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of food and farming in the region.