ST. MODWEN LAUNCHES ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS AT INNOVATION CENTRE

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has officially launched the first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points at the Innovation Centre, which forms part of the £100 million Longbridge Technology Park and is home to nearly 50 technology-based local, national and international businesses.

Occupiers from across the Technology Park attended the launch which was presented by Ed Russell, chief executive of Co-operative Web, the Innovation Centre’s very first occupant.

The charging points support faster EV charging at higher voltages and currents than are available from domestic supplies, and have been installed in response to the growth of EV ownership across the Midlands.

Andrea Bolton, Longbridge Technology Park’s property manager, said: “The EV charging points at the Innovation Centre are the first to be installed in Longbridge, and St. Modwen hopes Technology Park tenants will take advantage of using a more renewable alternative to petrol and diesel powered transport as the UK strives to develop more sustainable ways of living.

“The Innovation Centre specialises in providing modern accommodation for start-up and expanding technology-based businesses, and the introduction of these charging stations mark St. Modwen’s latest commitment to providing occupants with forward thinking business solutions and services.”

The charging points were installed by Vinci Energies UK (VEUK), who worked alongside equipment provider, APT Controls. VEUK forms part of the Vinci PLC Group, which works to support sustainable transport by providing independent turnkey solutions for EV Infrastructure.

Mark Hawkes, technical sales engineer at Vinci Energies UK, said: “We are delighted to have installed the EV charging points at Longbridge and played a part in one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes.

“The stations reinforce Longbridge’s rich automotive history and also support the Midlands’ status as the UK’s automotive leader.”

During the launch event a Peugeot iOn electric hybrid car was available for test drive, demonstrating the charging points in action. The iOn is one of a variety of electrical hybrid models developed by car manufacturers as the Government pledges to cut carbon emissions and find sustainable alternatives to conventional petrol and diesel powered vehicles.

Justin Meyer, business development manager at APT Controls said: “We are pleased that we were able to work alongside Vinci Energies to supply the dual outlet Evolt charging posts at the Innovation Centre.

“The launch of the stations puts Longbridge firmly on the map as a hub for progressive technologies and services, and paves the way for a sustainable future in the Midlands.”

Along with the adjacent Two Devon Way office building, the Innovation Centre forms the first phase of the £100 million Longbridge Technology Park which is home to many local, national and international businesses and is more than 90 per cent occupied.

Longbridge is served by excellent public transport links, with Longbridge Train Station within just a short walking distance and over 350 buses per day passing the site. Birmingham city centre is eight miles away and the M5 (junction 4) and M42 (junction 2) motorways are three miles away.