Crawley Innovation Centre

The Crawley Innovation Centre is now open and thriving as a bespoke commercial hub for hi-tech small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises. It provides state-of-the-art research and development laboratories, demonstration and prototyping workshops, dedicated offices, and collaborative spaces, including a co-working zone.

Designed to be flexible, dynamic and versatile, the centre meets the diverse needs of tech micro-businesses and SMEs, supported by Oxford Innovation as managing agent. Oxford Innovation works alongside business and academic partners and specialist service providers, with a clear focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration and accelerating technological growth.

This landmark development – a cornerstone of Crawley’s Economic Recovery Plan 2022 to 2037, is already delivering a significant boost to the town’s economy, innovation capacity and technological advancement.

Located in the former TUI Travel House, the centre is a major asset for Crawley’s advanced engineering sector and a catalyst for growth in emerging industries. It provides vital “grow-on” space for hi-tech businesses to scale up, prototype and showcase new technologies, including clean energy, quantum tech and transportation technologies.

The centre is actively driving innovation and R&D across Crawley and the Gatwick Diamond, unlocking manufacturing jobs and attracting business investment. It is expanding Crawley’s clean and green energy cluster, supporting carbon reduction targets, and creating high-value jobs to strengthen the local economy.

Collaboration is at the heart of the centre’s vision. It works closely with Crawley College and the Universities of Brighton, Chichester and Sussex to develop tech apprenticeships, skills programmes, SME research and development, and to host academic spin-out enterprises.

The ambition is clear: in the first instance, to create more than 200 new jobs and directly benefit up to 40 businesses, while in the longer term attracting significant manufacturing investment into Crawley, including new industrial space at Manor Royal.

The Innovation Centre is already home to a growing number of enterprises, and availability is limited. For further information, including enquiries about becoming a tenant, please visit www.crawley-ic.co.uk.