Welsh technology company IQE, considered a market leader in the field of compound semi-conductors, is to invest £38 million in a new site. Plans for the ambitious project have been given recommended approval by local councillors. New sprinklers tanks will form part of the development and ensure the site has water on standby to fight a fire around the clock.
Other plans for the site include the provision of staff and visitor car and cycle parking, an external plant compound, refrigeration units, external alterations to an existing building and the creation of a new access route.
IQE CS Cluster Project
IQE wants to develop the site as Phase 2 of the CS Cluster Project. The overall aim is to deliver a hub of high-quality facilities for research, development, education and manufacturing. Newport City Council’s Planning committee had access to a feasibility report that said: “The applicant has stated that the precise number of jobs to be created by the occupation of the building is as yet unknown.
“The first phase of development is expected to deliver a total of 60 jobs although these numbers could increase significantly through these current proposals. The onward occupation of the building by IQE and future ambitions for an additional organisation to develop a hub within the building could result in up to 650 members of staff.
“The proposed development is considered to be acceptable and is in accordance with the Newport Local Development Plan. It is recommended that planning permission is granted with conditions.”
Fire safety
IQE has demonstrated its commitment to fire safety by including sprinkler tanks in its plans. As well as providing a ready source of water to fight fires, automatic sprinkler systems provide excellent loss prevention and some insurance benefits.
Want to know more about sprinkler tanks? Talk to Nationwide Water Solutions Limited, the UK’s leading independent supplier of fire tanks. It designs and installs compliant sprinkler tanks across the country. Nationwide Water Solutions Limited also maintains sprinkler tanks, carries out repairs and offers an independent inspection service.