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£10 million for Bristol’s SPark - one of the UK’s
biggest science parks
23 February 2010
An extra £10 million for SPark, the much
anticipated £300 million science park for Bristol and Bath, has
been announced today, in preparation for work to start on site this
spring.
Combined with the initial funding, this is the
South West RDA’s largest single investment, and means that subject
to final contractual agreements, the first phase can get underway
on the Emersons Green site to create one of the UK’s biggest
science parks.
Once complete, SPark will bring over 6,000
skilled Research & Development jobs, in over 77,000 sq m
(820,000 sq ft) of new research facilities on the 22 hectare site.
It is anticipated the construction of SPark will involve over 1,500
man-years of work.
Work will include building roads and services
for the whole science park and starting construction of the 55,000
sq ft SPark One building. This will offer a central hub facility,
business incubation and grow-on space plus catering and conference
facilities.
Today’s investment was announced by Regional
Minister Jim Knight, as part of the Government’s Transforming
Our Regions launch today.
Jim Knight, Regional Minister, said:
“Like all major property projects, the
recession has taken its toll on progress with SPark. That’s why the
government is keen to support the RDA putting this extra investment
in to keep the creation of one of the UK’s largest science parks
firmly on course.
“Bristol and the surrounding area has such
strength in innovation and high-tech engineering from Airbus to HP
Labs, a single science park will act as a catalyst for further
R&D work, creating more high tech jobs and boosting the
regional economy.”
Ian Knight, area director, South West RDA
said:
“The success of major science parks elsewhere
in the country demonstrates how clustering high tech research
companies close together really does work. The support at SPark
will mean young, highly innovative businesses are connected to the
best academic facilities and inward investment opportunities,
attracting new business, investment and ultimately employment into
the area.
“Bristol already has a fantastic track record
in R&D and a talented and highly skilled workforce. SPark will
help ensure they’re here to stay.”
Commenting on behalf of development partner
Quantum, Tonianne Dwyer, head of fund management at Quintain,
said:
“SPark will be a world-class working
environment for R&D industry in the region. We are delighted
that today’s news clears the way for contractors to be appointed
and we expect work to start on site this Easter.”
SPark is supported by three universities;
Bristol, Bath and the West of England (UWE). Planning permission
for the SPark masterplan as well as the first phase of works has
already been granted by South Gloucestershire Council.
The facility will be one of the largest
science parks in the country offering a state-of-the-art
environment for science and technology businesses, including
test-bed facilities, laboratories, flexible office space and
semi-industrial workspace.
Councillor John Godwin, executive member for
external affairs and partnership at South Gloucestershire
Council said:
"The Science Park will be a world class
facility and a huge economic boost, creating thousands of
jobs. The ambitious initiative will further strengthen
industry and research in the region. It is a facility that this
Council has supported and promoted for many years and we are
extremely pleased that it is now coming to fruition."
The RDA is in negotiations with major
organisations and projects, including the National Composites
Centre and the CFMS Advanced Simulation Research Centre, which
we hope to bring onto SPark in due course.
Ends
Notes to editors
1. The South West RDA works for and promotes a modern, stronger
and more resilient economy across South West England.
Our work involves creating better jobs,
successful businesses, more prosperous cities, towns and villages
within an economy that uses less carbon and will still be thriving
in 20, 50 and 100 years time.
2. An animated ‘fly-through’ of the SPark
development is available on DVD.
3. Today’s additional £10 million investment
takes the South West RDA’s total commitment to SPark to £40
million.
4. CFMS is an organisation that has been
established to facilitate the delivery of significant advances in
the power of engineering design simulation processes. For
further details refer to www.cfms.org.uk or contact
Martin Aston, Programme Director CFMS Ltd, on 07860
957643
For media enquiries, contact Kierstan Lowe or Sue Amiel at
Spirit Public Relations:
klowe@spiritpublicrelations.co.uk
samiel@spiritpublicrelations.co.uk
0117 944 1415
http://www.spiritpublicrelations.co.uk/
