Joint venture running theLiverpool city region science campus has unveiled plans to create a further 42,000 sq ft of grade A office space in three new buildings at its gateway. Tony McDonough reports
Sci-Tech Daresbury says 30 new companies took up residence at the Liverpool city region science campus in 2017 – taking the total number to 132.
And in order to grow this further the joint venture partners running the park – Langtree, the Science and Technology Facilities Council and Halton Council – is planning to build another 42,000 sq ft grade A office complex.
The proposed scheme, codenamed Project Violet, will see the construction of three new buildings situated at the gateway of the campus.
John Downes, managing director of Langtree and board member of the Sci-Tech Daresbury joint venture company, said: “Sci-Tech Daresbury is continuing to see strong appetite for its office and laboratory space and in the last 12 months we have experienced another significant period of growth, following a record breaking 2016.
“Our culture of collaboration, scientific expertise and the world-class technical facilities of the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Daresbury laboratory all create a unique space for companies to base their operations.
“The campus is designed to foster collaboration and innovation between local and international businesses, academic institutions and public sector – connecting ideas, networks and knowledge together.”
The Innovation Centre welcomed 19 new tenants in 2017: ACE UK, Active Data Metrics, Astute Licensing, AWOL Adventure, Blinx Solutions, BluCap, Chart Capture, Concert Care, Delphisonic, Device Trust, Department of International Trade, Just-R, Magnify Solutions, Mere Digital, Outdoor Product Design, QMS Consultancy, Secure Digitali, SGM Projects and Structural Surveys.
At Techspace One, which itself opened in 2017, pharmacy automation firm Robotik Technology launched its operation in August, while international tech giant, Hitachi High-Technologies Europe followed in September.
Five companies moved in to Vanguard House: Avenista Table Reservations, CAE Technology Services, igroup, ORCHA and pm Connections.
Other highlights in 2017 include Prime Minister Theresa May holding her first regional cabinet meeting at the campus.