XPLOR, the world’s first research and innovation centre for entertainment technology and production, has reached a significant milestone in its construction this week, following the installation of the building’s steel frame.
The external steel structure for XPLOR’s 1,500sqm Studio 005 has now been fully installed by delivery partner Triton Construction, marking an exciting stage in the build, which is set to open in Summer 2022.
XPLOR will drive experimentation and excellence, and support the disruptive growth of vital live entertainment industries across live events, music, TV, film, and the creative arts. The centre will offer a range of bespoke services for clients including technical consultancy, project management and networking, with core capabilities in concept & product design, software controls & automation, prototyping, testing and virtual production.
Alongside the 20m+ high arena-sized studio 005, the £7m+ XPLOR facility will boast large-scale design and prototype spaces for testing, modelling, and building physical and virtual environments, as well as a rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing workshop.
XPLOR will be part of Production Park, a South Kirkby based community of studios and businesses, as well as educational and research facilities collaborating to put together the world’s greatest entertainment experiences and grow the people that power them.
Discussing the construction of XPLOR, Jim Farmery, Development Director said: “We’re extremely excited to mark this significant milestone in the construction of XPLOR. As a global world first, the centre will be a great addition to the Production Park community and be the driving force in research and innovation for entertainment technology and production.”
Councillor Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Property, said: “This is a really exciting and important partnership project, which will help to attract new businesses and investment to Wakefield, as well as developing those we already have here, increasing skill levels and creating jobs for our residents.”
Councillor Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that work has now begun on XPLOR and the building is starting to take shape. We’re incredibly proud of our district’s cultural offering, and Wakefield is fast becoming a leading light in the live events sector – this will provide an even bigger boost to create dynamic start-ups in the area and develop innovative products that will be taken worldwide.”
XPLOR has been made possible by a partnership between Backstage Academy and Wakefield Council, along with grant funding provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and supported by Cultural Development Fund (CDF).
For any further information, please visit www.xplor.one.