Sika’s Preston R&D lab plans approved
PLANS for a new £2.5m R&D lab for Sika Liquid Plastics in Preston have been approved.
The firm, which was sold by the Gorick family to to Swiss company Sika three years ago, is to build a European Centre of Excellence on the site. Building will begin in September and the lab will be complete by October 2013.
The 12,500 sq ft building has been designed by Preston-based architects Frank Whittle Partnership and will significantly improve the facilities on site.
Sika Liquid Plastics designs a range of high-performance plastics that are used as roofing materials.
Its product has been used at a number of high-profile locations including Selfridges, the Tate Britain art gallery and East Midlands Airport.
Martin Whittle, partner at FWP, said: “The design, using woven architectural mesh, both reflects and pays homage to the rich heritage of the site as a former mill. But it has a 21-st Century purpose as a leading and modern R&D technology at the cutting edge of Sika’s sector.
“The development brings all the site’s research R&D operations together, in a modern purpose-built facility, providing a 21st century environment for its team to help the company remain at the forefront of technology. It also provides a striking and modern welcome to visitors to the site.”
