Large Structures Innovation Centre: next phase
Site confirmed. Launch partner announced. Delivery underway.
NCC, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the University of Bristol, has confirmed that the Large Structures Innovation Centre (LSIC) will be located on the Isle of Wight.
The LSIC will be an open-access national facility to support the development, demonstration and industrialisation of large, high-performance structures across multiple sectors, with an initial focus on wind energy.
The Isle of Wight offers a strong foundation in advanced engineering and manufacturing, supported by established industrial infrastructure to enable large structures development. It provides the space and operational environment needed for full-scale production trials, automation development, and materials validation under real-world conditions, outside of a live manufacturing environment.
The LSIC will equip industry with end-to-end innovation capabilities, supporting progress from concept through to end-of-life. This will help businesses of all sizes bring new large structure products to market faster, with improved efficiency and performance, enabling them to achieve their growth ambitions.
Vestas confirmed as launch partner
NCC has also announced Vestas as the LSIC’s launch partner.
This extends a long-standing relationship. Vestas has been a Tier 1 member of NCC since its inception, and in 2024 NCC, alongside the Bristol Composites Institute, was named one of Vestas’ global technology partners for sustainable blade innovation.
The LSIC will complement Vestas’ existing manufacturing activities on the Isle of Wight, providing an open-access platform for full-size blade development and process innovation. It strengthens the UK’s ability to support future blade designs and production requirements at industrial scale.
Why this matters
Across energy, construction and maritime, there is growing demand for larger, more capable structures - and for UK-based solutions that are ready to scale.
The LSIC will help close a longstanding gap in the UK’s innovation landscape. It provides a purpose-built space where companies can carry out full-scale trials, develop new manufacturing methods, and build practical readiness across the supply chain.
It also strengthens national capability. By investing in large-structure innovation now, we can expand the UK’s technology base, build stronger domestic supply chains, and support national targets for clean energy and industrial growth.
Richard Oldfield, CEO, NCC said:
“This partnership marks an important step forward. With our Isle of Wight facility confirmed and Vestas as launch partner, the LSIC moves from concept to delivery - helping UK industry take on bigger engineering challenges, and giving businesses the space, capability and confidence to respond.”
Anne Vedel, Senior Vice President for Research & Development with Vestas said:
“Vestas is proud to strengthen our partnership with NCC to drive innovation in the design and manufacture of the cutting-edge composites that are the foundation for modern wind turbines. The new centre will complement our existing manufacturing and R&D activities on the Isle of Wight and help drive the innovation in advanced turbine technologies, which is identified as a key economic opportunity in the UK’s offshore wind Industrial Growth Plan.“
Vestas has a rich heritage of innovation and manufacturing on the Isle of Wight. For more than two decades, Vestas has produced over 13,500 wind turbine blades and established significant R&D expertise in blade innovation and design on the island.
Connect with our Large Structure specialists using the link below to find out more or register your interest.
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Online introduction to Large Structures Innovation Centre
Sign-up for NCC's virtual industry briefing to introduce the UK's first Large Structures Innovation Centre's capabilities and collaboration opportunities. The event takes place on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 at 1pm GMT.
