A £5.8m innovation centre on a Leicester science and technology park, which was completed by contractors Willmott Dixon during autumn 2013, has been officially opened by the city's mayor, Peter Soulsby.

The landmark building, known as Dock and designed by award-winning architects maber, is located next to the National Space Centre at Pioneer Park. Dock is set to house up to 54 new space, science and technology businesses amid its 3,000 sq m of incubation units, laboratories, conference facilities and offices.

It will also act as a catalyst for lettings at the surrounding park, which aims to address the city's lack of premises for 'knowledge economy' sector companies.

Since handing back the building to owners Leicester City Council in the autumn, more than one third of the work space created has been occupied, including the largest unit. When fully occupied, it is anticipated Dock will provide up to 150 new jobs for the city.

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Nick Heath, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: "Dock is a significant development for businesses within the 'knowledge economy' sector in the city of Leicester, and we are delighted to have been able to deliver this project on time and under budget.

"There have been a series of challenges presented to us throughout the project, which we have worked closely with Leicester City Council to overcome to create a really innovative new building for the city.

"The entire project has been carried out with the environment very much in mind and includes a number of green features. In addition to landscaped grounds, which feature a number of bat boxes, the building's heating system is provided entirely through air source pumps and recycled materials were used in certain areas.

"Wherever possible, we strive to ensure the local economy benefits from the work that we are doing, and in this case 100% of our subcontractor spend was kept within 60 miles of the innovation centre and nearly a quarter within a 20 mile radius."

The progressive design by maber architects' Leicester team reflects the innovative theme around the park with zinc shingles used on a unique external finishing alongside more traditional materials such as brick to reflect the industrial heritage of the site and to create a link with surrounding buildings.

A central three-storey atrium with feature staircase and larch walls provides break out and communal exhibition spaces for tenants and a place where businesses and individuals can meet and exchange ideas. The design has been recognised for its excellence after being nominated for a Procon award.

(CD/JP)