Infinity Park Derby is a 100-acre technology and innovation park, located to the south of Derby. It is designed to support advanced manufacturing and research, particularly in sectors like aerospace and automotive.
The park is adjacent to Rolls-Royce's global civil aerospace campus and close to key manufacturers such as Toyota, Alstom, and JCB. Infinity Park also benefits from Enterprise Zone status, offering incentives for businesses and easy access to major transport routes like the A50, M1, and East Midlands Airport.
The development includes a variety of plots for industrial, office, and R&D purposes, with significant investments such as the 46,728 sq. ft. Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC), which supports the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
Key features include:
- Hub for the future: Housing Rolls Royce's Nuclear Skills Academy, aiming to train 200 apprentices annually.
- Ideal location: Located close to major transport links, such as the A50 and M1
- The future of advanced manufacturing: Across the 100-acre development, the park promotes advanced manufacturing, research and much more
Our role
BWB has been instrumental in delivering the environmental and infrastructure strategy from the earliest stages of the Infinity Park development. Our work encompassed technical leadership on flood modelling, hydrological strategy, and ground investigations to inform development on a site historically challenged by high groundwater levels and flood vulnerability.
Nature-based solutions
We designed and specified multiple nature-based solutions, including flood storage reservoirs, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and watercourse diversions to manage flow regimes, mitigate flood risk, and support wider ecological ambitions. These wet features not only manage surface water naturally but also create a rich habitat mosaic.
Focusing on biodiversity
A key part of our involvement included habitat and landscape enhancement surrounding the park, contributing to biodiversity net gain and improving visual and recreational amenity for the local community. We provided ongoing monitoring and stewardship support in collaboration with the local Wildlife Trust and the developer’s management company. This work ensures that ecological features, such as wetland corridors and aquatic habitats, function as intended post-construction and that their management remains straightforward for maintenance teams.
Protecting the environment
A major technical challenge was delivering buildable infrastructure within a marshland area with naturally high groundwater levels. The risk of pollution, especially from silts and construction runoff, posed a serious threat to the surrounding ecological habitats. BWB worked closely with contractors during construction to implement protective measures and best-practice site controls to mitigate potential pollution events.