New state-of-the-art healthcare research facility complete in County Durham

Work on a multi-million pound healthcare research and development facility in County Durham has reached a new milestone.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) held a topping-out ceremony to mark the end of construction work on The National Healthcare Photonics Centre – a new state-of-the-art facility for developing the next generation of light-based healthcare treatment.

Based at NETPark in Sedgefield, the state-of-the-art facility will support the scaling up and commercialisation of innovative new medtech products.

It will act as a hub where businesses and their academic partners will pioneer new methods for diagnosing disease.

The National Healthcare Photonics Centre will offer workspace over two floors, with specialist laboratories for uses including optical system development, laser system applications development and bio-materials handling and testing.

The National Healthcare Photonics Centre

Newcastle-based Surgo Construction built the centre with support from Durham architects Howarth Litchfield.

The project was backed with a £7.9m grant from the Government’s Local Growth Deal, provided through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Jake Berry MP, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, said: “The National Healthcare Photonics Centre in County Durham is yet another demonstration of the world-leading role the Northern Powerhouse plays in the medtech sector and I’m delighted that this project is being supported by £7.9m from the Local Growth Fund.

“As well as helping patients by improving the way diseases are diagnosed and treated, the Centre will support the growth of innovative new companies bringing high-quality jobs to the area.”

CPI’s healthcare photonics lead, Dr Tom Harvey, commented: “Bringing together photonics experts, equipment and facilities in this new centre will enable companies to develop the latest cutting-edge medtech products.

“This will benefit patients, as well as the local and national economy.”

The facility will open with a official launch on March 19.