New Haven is poised to become a major hub for quantum research and technology, with a new lab-office building planned for the former Rt. 34 corridor. The building, to be developed by Carter Winstanley’s company, will be home to QuantumCT, a public-private partnership among Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), as well as Unilever’s new Global Innovation Center.
Quantum Research and Development
Esme Lombard, director of external affairs for QuantumCT, believes that New Haven has the potential to become the next Silicon Valley for quantum research. "It’s really Connecticut’s turn," she said. "We have all the elements to make this the next Silicon Valley for quantum." Dr. Christine Broadbridge, professor of physics and executive director of research and innovation at Southern Connecticut State University, agrees, citing the state’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, finance, and defense.
The new building will include a Church Street pedestrian thoroughfare and the rehabilitation of the Church Street bridge. Three community members raised questions about the proposed Church Street Arc Bridge, access to Union Station, and food vendors for the first floor of the building. The city has secured millions of dollars in state and federal funding for the project and plans to give the site to Winstanley Enterprises.
Community Benefits
The development is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the city and generate significant tax revenue. Mayor Justin Elicker said that the project will help reconnect the Hill to downtown and provide opportunities for New Haven residents. The city has been working to fill in the gap left by the highway that was never completed, and this development is seen as a major step forward.
A public hearing about the project will be held in City Hall on July 15, and construction is set to begin next year and continue until 2029. The project has the potential to make New Haven a major player in the quantum research and tech industry, and the city is excited to see the benefits it will bring.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
