University of Sheffield Breaks Ground on Aerospace Manufacturing Research Center

The University of Sheffield broke ground in November of 2023 on an £80 million aerospace manufacturing research center in the United Kingdom. Catalyzing the aviation industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the 29,700-sf Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) building will house the Boeing-led Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS) project. This world-class innovation hub will support the development and testing of new technologies to address the demand for lighter commercial aircraft. Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the robust and highly sustainable structure will offer an expansive factory area, individual workshops, and flexible ancillary spaces.

Created in partnership with Loop Technology and Spirit AeroSystems, the open-access facility will enable private industry to engage with academic scientists and government stakeholders in collaborative discovery. Gardiner & Theobald is the lead designer, project manager, and CDM consultant for COMPASS, with Bond Bryan as architect and Henry Boot Construction as general contractor. Elecomm, Arup, and Curtins are providing engineering services and Rex Procter is acting as construction consultant. Completion is anticipated in December of 2024.