THE PROPOSED MASTERPLAN
A connected environment for people, food, energy, industry and enterprise. Designed around what works—not a fixed floor plan.
EXPLORE SIX PROPOSED ZONES
Select a zone to see its role and what must be established before it becomes real.
PROPOSED ZONE / 01
A café, exhibition area and NCE Path welcome point would make the work inside Forge visible and accessible.
Accessible entrances, safeguarding arrangements, safe circulation and a viable café operating model.
PROPOSED ZONE / 02
A supervised growing environment could connect crop science, food handling and local sales with practical learning.
Structural loads, humidity control, drainage, hygiene, electricity demand and written buyer interest.
PROPOSED ZONE / 03
Practical digital confidence, AI literacy, content production and ecommerce support, grounded in useful projects.
Trainer capacity, device access, data protection, accessible teaching and local employer demand.
PROPOSED ZONE / 04
CAD, 3D printing, repair and reuse would let participants practise design, problem-solving and production.
Ventilation, machine safety, supervision, noise separation, consumables and equipment maintenance.
PROPOSED ZONE / 05
Small teams could test business ideas alongside mentors, shared workspace and private support rooms.
Affordable pricing, occupancy evidence, qualified advice and a clear separation of learning and paid work.
PROPOSED ZONE / 06
Solar, storage and controls would be assessed as an integrated energy project with defined community benefits.
Roof rights, electrical capacity, grid constraints, fire strategy, ownership and an independent financial case.
Functional concept only. Zones are not assigned to floors; a site survey and professional design must determine the layout.
THE SITE MUST EARN ITS PLACE
Transport connections, inclusive access and a welcoming street-level presence.
Structure, servicing, roof condition, fire safety, power, water, drainage and ventilation.
Occupation terms, refurbishment costs, operating costs and a manageable route to opening.
The former House of Fraser is a candidate for enquiry, not our selected or secured building. All concept imagery is site-independent.
BIG AMBITION. STAGED DECISIONS.
Co-design with local residents. Compare candidate sites and existing provision.
Model the building, energy, food demand, training capacity and five-year finances.
Proceed only with an appropriate site agreement, delivery capability and justified funding.
Compare a phased building, a smaller partner-led start and a two-site model before committing to the full flagship.
THE NEXT INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION STARTS WITH US.
Bring your local knowledge, a potential site, technical expertise or a funding perspective. Help us test what Forge 01 could become.
Start a conversation