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.
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.
