MAJOR plans have been submitted to expand Malvern Hills Science Park even further with a new £4million complex which could see more global-wide businesses move to Malvern and new jobs created.
This artists impression image shows what the new ‘Phase 5’ building could look like should the mega plans be approved in early 2016.
Providing 1,500 square metres of space, the new two-storey building can be used by new tenants or as flexible grow-on space for established businesses.
A number of technology, cyber security and IT companies based at the site could benefit hugely from the new investment should planning permision be granted.
The plans, which includes the demolition of an exisiting building, have been tabled following a number of public consultations which were held in recent months.
Phase 5 will develop half of the cleared site leaving the other half to be developed at a later date as ‘Phase 6’.
Should planning permission be granted, it will take around nine months to build.
Alan White, chief executive of Malvern Hills Science Park, said: “Phase 5 will kick off significant planned expansion of the Science Park, providing premises for more established companies to complement our community of start-up and early stage technology businesses.
“Some of these, like UTC Aerospace Systems, will be existing successful Science Park companies, whilst others will be attracted on a global basis to what we see as a world class location.”
Work is almost complete on the Science Park’s Phase 4 expansion which will see one of the site’s existing firms, UTC Aerospace Systems, move into the new 30,000 sq ft high-tech office.
Phase 4 cost just under £4million which was funded through an investment of £3.5million by Worcestershire County Council alongside £370,000 from Malvern Hills Diustrict Council.
Other phased upgrades at the site opened in 2002 and 2009.
Coun Simon Geraghty, responsible for economy, skills and infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council said the site’s latest plans would help deliver business growth in the county.
“If planning permission is granted, the project will provide a unique opportunity to replace an unattractive and under-used building with new, vibrant buildings that provide more flexible business space,” he said.
“Historically Malvern has been a hub for invention, innovation and the development of new technology. This continues today with the growth of high-tech and cyber security firms on the Science Park.
“The expansion of the site provides a real strategic opportunity to drive forward technology, innovation and enterprise in the County, while also supporting business growth and providing local employment opportunities.”
The next phase is to be funded in full with £4million from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership through the Worcestershire Growth Deal.
Gary Woodman, Executive Director for the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Expanding Malvern Hills Science Park will enable existing businesses to grow as well as encourage businesses from the technology, cyber security and IT sectors to join Malvern’s significant cyber cluster and bring more jobs in this high-priority growth sector.
“This is a significant employment site in the County and so was prioritised for funding through the Worcestershire Growth Deal.
“It would be great news if planning consent is granted.”
Malvern Hills Science Park, which was built in 1997, has been identified as one of the key economic ‘game-changer’ sites in the county.
The Science Park is home to the National Cyber Security Centre and a number of IT and cyber security companies.
