Construction is complete on a new open-access research facility, which will initially be home to the University of Sheffield AMRC’s largest research and development project, COMPASS, with leading global aerospace company Boeing.

Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) is a major boost to aerospace R&D in the UK, helping solve composites manufacturing challenges to meet future demand for lighter commercial aircraft and help the aviation industry reach net zero.

The £20m facility delivered by Henry Boot Construction is jointly funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Sheffield City Council, University of Sheffield and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. It will host a raft of state-of-the-art equipment secured through £29.5m worth of funding from the UK Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute Programme.

The 29,700 sq ft research facility is located next to the AMRC’s flagship Factory 2050 facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District. It comprises a large open-plan factory space and ancillary spaces.

The facility will pioneer a new era in composite manufacturing by offering open access to a state-of-the-art, fully automated closed-mould cell of 10m x 3m for research purposes. This will enable single components to become larger, with complex sub-assemblies of up to ten metres becoming a reality – reducing cost, preventing delays and saving time.

The first research programme to take place in the facility will be the Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS) project led by Boeing, in partnership with AMRC, Loop Technology and Spirit AeroSystems. IHSS aims to de-risk and develop high-rate sustainable structures, with the potential to reduce large component process times from ~40 hours to ~four hours.

Emma Hutton, AMRC director of major projects, said: “This new facility represents a significant milestone in the UK’s aerospace and manufacturing sector, offering a unique opportunity for industry partners to access cutting-edge equipment and expertise.

“This is a collaborative R&D environment which will foster innovation and accelerate technological advancements, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and global competitiveness.”

The building’s robust and sustainable design prioritises environmental, social and economic responsibility, aligning with industry-leading standards.

It has been awarded an impressive BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, with notable sustainable features including the installation of solar PV panels on both the lower and upper roofs, and air source heat pumps – combining to reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint.

A high-performing building for the future, the facility has also been constructed to enable seamless integration with Sheffield’s district heating network by Veolia.

As part of the project’s commitment to regional growth, lead contractor Henry Boot Construction has worked closely with local supply chain partners on the project, including Sheffield-based firm Elecomm, who was selected as the principal Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) partner for the project.

The wider project team for the new building also included Gardiner & Theobald, Rex Procter, Bond Bryan, Curtins and Arup.