After four years of planning, design and construction, Daventry's landmark iCon Environmental Innovation Centre is set to open its doors for the first time.

With the building work complete, plans are now underway for the centre, off Eastern Way, Daventry, to open its doors for business in May 2011 and The University of Northampton is celebrating its status as its official owners and operators of the facility.

Dr Frank Burdett, The University of Northampton, explained:

"We are delighted to announce that the University has now signed an official agreement to adopt the operating company and iCon building in Daventry - which means we are now the sole owners.

"Climate change is the biggest issue facing the world today and, drawing on research by the University into resource efficiency, and other work undertaken by our partners which identified the importance of the construction sector to the county and the region, we felt it was essential that we positively tackled this issue by creating a centre which could lead by example.

"It will also become a hub and home for start up and early stage companies in the construction and wider environmental industries."

This £10million iCon centre has been designed to include state-of-the-art technology with a focus on waste, water and energy reduction. It includes an innovation centre for businesses in the emerging market of sustainable construction, as well as a conference hall, public piazza and café.

Dr John Liddle, iCon Director, added:

"The best way to nurture and stimulate innovation is to create an environment in which people can be inspired and share ideas. We already have our first tenants lined up for the iCon, a centre which is dedicated to helping businesses turn their bright ideas into a profitable reality. In addition, our iNet service will enable us to help not only our tenant companies but also support businesses across the UK."

The University's iCon centre has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) and the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC), with land donated by Northamptonshire County Council and Daventry District Council. The iCon not only aims to enhance the town's position as a leading UK location for best practice in environmental innovation, but also forms part of Daventry District Council's wider vision to improve Daventry and the local business economy.

From Saturday 21 May 2011, a week of activities have been organised inside the iCon, to encourage the wider community to step inside and see it for themselves.

Dr Frank Burdett added:

"The iCon is proof that we can tackle a global issue, make a real difference and do something truly significant to help make the world a cleaner, safer place. Daventry and Northamptonshire are now firmly on the global map."