Battlelab hot desk bookings
Please note that the BattleLab hot desk booking is very much a self service process. Once your details have been approved and added to the system, you can then book using the Mobile App, turn up and use the facilities.
Enquiry and Approval Process
To access the BattleLab and the Dorset Innovation Park, because of the purpose of the facility and the security of the park, it is not a simple case of just turning up, or downloading the App and getting access straightaway.
There is a lightweight process and we can only aim for a turnaround time of 48 hours, but could be potentially quicker.
Making the enquiry
Please email explore.dip@d3ip.io with your company name, contact details and what sector you are in.
We will do a basic check. We may email back asking for further details.
If all OK, an email from the booking system will be sent, that should contain links to the Mobile App, and equivalent app website, for making bookings.
You can then make bookings. Please note that with the Apps you can only initially book for a single desk on a date, but once that has been accepted, the next screen will show you subsequent dates.
The hot desks are not about booking out weeks and months however. It is for occasional working and meetings.
Photo ID needed for security gate
Please always bring photo ID for the front security gate (a passport or drivers licence are what we suggest). Once shown, simply say you have booked a desk at the BattleLab and you will be waved through by the friendly onsite personnel. As mentioned earlier on the page, please remember to enter from the Monterey Avenue road into the park as you will not be able to enter elsewhere.
Getting to the Dorset Innovation Park
Whilst the main post code given is DT2 8ZB, it is important to check whether your Sat Nav will bring you to the correct gate that is closer to Dorset Police HQ (W3W location: ///runways.launch.redeeming).
If you are driving from the west of Winfrith Newburgh (Wool), sat nav may take you to a different entrance on Gatemore Road that has no access to the Dorset Innovation Park.
If you have booked for a hot desk at the BattleLab, there is no need to park up outside of the security gate, just approach the gate with Photo ID ready.
Public transport
The nearest train station is in Wool, you can plan a journey via train from the National Rail site. The station is a short taxi ride or 45 minute walk to the park. Unfortunately the bus routes are limited in this region of Dorset.
Car Charging ports available
We welcome sustainable travel to the Innovation Park. There are four free to use charging ports for electric vehicles outside the BattleLab, they are type 2 chargers by Pod Point, so you will need to bring your own cables. No need to use an app or payment card, simply plug in to start charging.
Out of courtesy to other EV (Electric vehicle) users, please move your car to free up the space when you have charged up.
Accommodation
Should you require overnight stay, we would recommend Dorchester as a place for hotels.
There are hotels in the Poole and Weymouth area, however morning traffic can be hectic.
The BattleLab office building
Once you are past the security gate, simply drive towards the roundabout and turn right. Ignore the first grey hangar building on your left and proceed to the large grey and yellow windowed building.
There is a car park immediately in front of the building you are welcome to use. The central door leading from the car park should be unlocked for entry.
Depending on which desk you have booked you may be situated on the ground floor at the back left hand corner, or up the stairs to the first floor and then bare left to a room with more desks.
What facilities are at BattleLab?
There are tea/coffee making facilities, so feel free to bring your own cup and help yourself.
There are accessible toilets on all floors and a lift as well as showers should you need them.
There is no canteen but for food there is a sandwich van that visits the park in the morning (Around 11am). There are also several shops nearby in Wool that sell sandwiches, such as The Hidden Deli and Williams Village Bakery.
You can also find fresh barista coffee a short walk away in Unit 6, The Quadrant, home to Evocatus consulting.