Plans submitted for leading £30m automation centre

Plans for the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield (Credit: Ashfield District Council)
By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans have been published for a £30m cutting-edge automation centre in Nottinghamshire which could become nationally-recognised.

The Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre would be a purpose-built centre to support businesses in adopting automation.

Known as the ADMC, it is the first part of a £100m innovation park being built on Lowmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The Ashfield District Council project has been secured through its Towns Fund Deal.

A planning application was submitted last month and has now been published on the council website.

It is hoped the scheme will create a nationally-recognised centre which will draw investment to the region and create high-skilled jobs.

Universities, manufacturers and clients will be brought together to foster cutting-edge technologies, according to the application.

It will provide a flexible working space which can be occupied by specialists, researchers and engineers from across the sector.

Plans for the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield (Credit: Ashfield District Council)

There will be facilities for researching, developing and showcasing new technology which wouldn’t be possible elsewhere.

It will also play a role in training and educating talent of the future through links with the nearby West Notts College.

The 4,000 square metre facility will include an automation factory and warehouse, as well as research and development, office and events space in a separate building.

The ADMC is intended to be “future proof” to incorporate new technologies as they emerge.

If planning approval is given, work is scheduled to start in July or August, and completed in September 2025.

Ashfield District Council’s Cabinet meeting on Monday (April 8) was told the application was “the centrepiece of our Towns Fund, allowing businesses in the East Midlands and beyond to see what automation can do for them.”

“It will help re-shore jobs from the Far East so that local workers can thrive and local workers can get high paid jobs.”

Plans for further parts of the innovation will park will follow.

The site, near Sutton Parkway, was purchased from Nottinghamshire County Council last year.