Vitruvius play a leading role in the development of the Tech Box Park at Hartpury

The construction of a new Digital Innovation Farm Tech Box Park will see Hartpury further develop its 360-hectare campus and expand its range of agriculture facilities to meet the global demand for new technology in farming.

Due to launch later this year, the £2 million facility on the university’s campus near Gloucester will provide dedicated working space and support packages, access to Hartpury Farm and an extended farming network for practical trials, and feasibility testing across the county where businesses can explore, test, research and develop new products, or enhance existing ones.

Russell Marchant, Vice-Chancellor of Hartpury University and Principal of Hartpury College, said: “We are delighted that the next phase of our 10-year strategic vision to provide world-class agricultural facilities, education, and research at Hartpury is being realised.”

“This new ground-breaking facility will combine our commercial farm and strong industry connections with agri-technology companies to address the inevitable challenges of a robotic future.”

Vitruvius bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and are working as Hartpury’s strategic delivery partner.  Vitruvius were integral to the development of the Masterplan which underpins the realisation of Hartpury’s strategic vision.

Vitruvius are leading the co-ordination, development and delivery of this exciting initiative, tying in not only to Hartpury’s reputation as a globally renowned leading educational establishment, but enhancing the county’s sectoral  specialism in agri-tech, and focus  of  driving innovation and sustainability for future generations.

Funding for the Tech Box Park has been provided by the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership Getting Building Fund, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Elizabeth Creak Charitable

Designed and manufactured by ISO Spaces, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of container conversions and modular buildings, the 10 x 40ft High-Cube Tech Box units will be created using environmentally friendly, repurposed shipping containers clad in cedar wood.