RACE building taking shape

RACE building Works

In the last fortnight, the main steelworks have begun to be installed – and the scale of the 17 metre-high building is rapidly becoming apparent.

The main building structure is scheduled to be complete by the end of the summer. Following the core mechanical and electrical fit-out, the building will formally be handed over to the RACE team for opening in early 2016

The work carried out under this grant paves the way for RACE to take a leading role in the continued development of technologies that are a crucial contribution to the success of ITER and subsequent fusion reactors.

Photos of the RACE Building during development- August 2015
Photos of the RACE Building during development- August 2015

The facility will enable RACE to conduct R&D into many applications of remote handling and robotic technology, already used to great effect at the JET fusion facility at Culham. It will be a key centre for implementing the Government’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems strategy, which aims to equip the UK to compete in this emerging global industry.

RACE Building Project Manager Richard Brown is delighted to see the new building making such good progress:

“After a lot of hard work by all the team on the design of the building, it’s great to see the construction getting out of the ground and to finally get a sense of scale the of the building.

“Once completed, we will have a modern and extremely capable facility to support our growing remote handling team in delivering high profile projects. The facility will also act as a showcase to industry of our expertise in remote handling technology, and encourage diversification into related areas – a key part of the strategy and development of the Culham site. We’re all looking forward to seeing the building complete and moving in.”

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