XPLOR is a partnership between Backstage Academy and Wakefield Council that will see the creation of a specialist knowledge and innovation centre focusing on research and development for the live events industry and its supply chain. Located on campus at Production Park, the £7m+ XPLOR building and its specialist equipment will be used to deliver a support programme targeting SMEs across the live events industry, covering specialisms such as music, TV, film, sports, corporate events, theatre and arts. The project, which runs from 2019 until 2022, has secured grant funding from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). XPLOR will include: - Large scale design/prototype spaces suitable for testing, modelling and building both physical and virtual environments. - Multi-use space suitable for SME workshops, presentations and meetings. - Workshop space equipped with specialist equipment in areas such as rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing. - Pre-visualisation suites where new products, stage sets and other large structures can be built and modelled virtually, together with systems control, prior to full manufacturing. - Design space where scenic artists and creative businesses can try new techniques including automation, augmented reality and virtual reality tools.