The administration of Northampton, a British city with a considerable industrial past, and the local University have made a proposal to the Town Hall for the construction and the creation of an international centre of excellence dedicated to leather and a Leather conservation centre. If the application were to be accepted, it will follow the construction of a space of working areas dedicated to small creative industries. These will act as an incubator for about 100 businesses during the first ten years of its operation and could lead to the creation of 300 jobs. Jane Bunce, director of the Students and University services said: “This project, if approved by the City Council Planning Committee, will allow the Vulcan Works (the name that was given to the project) to become an outstanding point of reference for our town as well as highlight the rich heritage of the leather business and industry of this city. “The works for the first space will be held in the new year and they will cost 12.445 million pounds. The Institute for Leather Creative Technologies would behoused in a converted grade listed bulling and it will hosts leather technology courses from the University of Northampton. It will include research laboratories, a microscopy room, teaching spaces, offices and laboratories. Tim Hadland, a member of the municipal cabinet for regeneration, enterprise and planning, said: “This is a big step forward for the project, which will help to cement our cultural district as a significant regional destination.”
United Kingdom: 2017 will see the foundations of an international centre of excellence for leather skin in Northampton
