SCI-TECH DARESBURY CELEBRATES BRIGHT FUTURE FOLLOWING ULTRAVIOLET PLANNING APPROVAL
Sci-Tech Daresbury celebrates bright future following Ultraviolet planning approval
Sci-Tech Daresbury’s position at the forefront of the UK’s flourishing science and technology sector has been further boosted following the confirmation of planning approval by Halton Borough Council for Ultraviolet, which forms the next phase of development within the Liverpool City Region-based campus.
Ultraviolet will comprise a further 180,000 sq ft of Grade A office and laboratory space, and will be located next to Project Violet, a £17.8m three-building speculative office development which itself is still under construction but set to open shortly with numerous firms already set to locate to the new facilities.
The decision to pursue the further expansion of the world-class science facilities available at Sci-Tech Daresbury at this early stage responds to this heightened demand from cutting-edge businesses requiring high-quality office and laboratory space, seen both from the interest created by the Violet project and the campus as a whole, with over 30 new tenants joining the campus during 2021.
The success of the campus in recent years has been underpinned by its cluster approach, which sees likeminded businesses in sectors such as digital, advanced engineering, health and life sciences, and clean technology share knowledge and resources, resulting in enhanced productivity and innovation. Last month, the new Daresbury Digital Tech Cluster – set to create 1,000 jobs – was officially launched on campus.
John Downes, Chief Executive Officer of Langtree and Chairman of Sci-Tech Daresbury said: “During 2021, we’ve seen strong demand that has been driven not just by new arrivals to the site but also by our ‘home for life’ ethos that supports existing tenants scaling up and moving into larger premises on site as their ambitions broaden.
“Our development programme for Sci-Tech Daresbury is underpinned by our strong belief that in order to compete in global markets we must ensure that we have the right facilities and environment that supports the growth of science and technology focused businesses and inspires collaboration and innovation.
“The delivery of a further 180,000 sq ft of high-quality office and laboratory accommodation speaks volumes for our commitment to Sci-Tech Daresbury and our dedication to supporting innovative science and technology firms. Creating the right facilities for dynamic, cutting edge businesses in our region to thrive is not just critical for the health of the North West’s economy, but for the whole of the UK.
“The progression of Ultraviolet is a key element of how our campus will support the government’s vision of the UK cementing its position as a science and technology superpower, and we can’t wait for the project to get started next year.”
Sci-Tech Daresbury is a partnership between Langtree, the Science & Technology Facilities Council and Halton Council.