World class science park takes another step

This takes the project into the final stages of planning, when details of the first buildings will be agreed. This will include the 70,000sq ft Innovation Centre and ‘grow-on’ centre that will act as a hub for developing and supporting young science-based businesses as they evolve.

“This area is already home to a cluster of world leading science and technology businesses that have made a massive contribution to wealth generation. We need to ensure their continued growth as well as support new and emerging businesses to secure the region’s future competitiveness in the global economy” said Lorelei Hunt, director of innovation at the South West of England Regional Development Agency.

Hunt continued: “Our remit is to support a sustainable economy by investing to unlock the region ‘s business potential , and SPark will play a major role in achieving this by attracting new companies to the area and building on the region’s reputation as leader in the aerospace, defence, digital technologies and biotechnology industries.”

SPark is a ground breaking development driven by the South West Regional Development Agency and specialist developer Quantum Property Partnership. The 10-year project will provide dedicated space for science and technology businesses in South West England and create around 6,000 highly skilled jobs.

The RDA’s investment totals more than £30m and is its single largest project in the region. It is also the largest new science park to be developed in the UK.

Sustainable, energy efficient and carbon saving design is embedded in the project and Quantum’s long-term aim is to create a zero carbon development.

The Agency bought the 22 hectare site, which lies between the M4 and the Avon ring road, in 2004. Setting up a world-class science park in Bristol has been an aspiration for the region for over 20 years.

The recent planning approval was granted after extensive consultation during 2007 and ensures that the long-term physical development of the area, including urban design, landscape and infrastructure, will result in a dynamic and sustainable addition to the region.

Development of the masterplan has been driven by Quantum Property Partnership. Spokeswoman, Tonianne Dwyer, said: “Over the last year we have translated the SPark vision into a viable masterplan that will provide world-class facilities for fledgling businesses and attract the biggest names in research and development to the region. We are delighted to have moved the project into the very last stage of the planning process and look forward to creating a development that will benefit the local community for generations to come.”

The South West Regional Development Agency and Quantum are working closely with the University of Bristol, University of Bath and University of the West of England to ensure collaboration between research and industry. All three universities have excellent research departments and SPark will allow growing science-based industries to benefit from their knowledge and facilities.

The South West Regional Development Agency has extensive experience of working with universities and businesses to develop science parks and incubation facilities across the region, including the Tamar Science Park in Plymouth and The Enterprise Pavilion in Bournemouth. SPark will be comparable to the best science parks in the UK, such as in Cambridge and Oxford.