Bigger science park to add 150 new jobs (From Malvern Gazette)

Bigger science park to add 150 new jobs

9:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in News Exclusive By Robert Hale

A MULTI-million pound scheme to expand Malvern Hills Science Park is set to create 150 jobs.

The county’s only science park has unveiled plans for its ‘phase four’ – a new building which will provide 25,000 square feet of offices and lab space.

The park was originally opened in 1999 to provide opportunities for high-tech start-up companies spun off from town defence contractor QinetiQ.

Now it is home to 23 businesses, employing more than 300 people, making it one of the most significant employers in the area.

Science park chief executive Alan White said: “As these science park companies operate in high-growth sectors, the park is now full to capacity. Expansion is necessary to ensure these successful businesses can continue to grow in Malvern to safeguard existing jobs and create new ones.”

The expansion could also allow new businesses to move in.

Among the science park’s backers are Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council, which have put investments of £350,000 and £3,650,000 respectively into phase four.

Economic analysis predicts that the science park investment will generate an extra £1.3-£2 million annually for the local economy.

Coun Phil Grove, the district council’s portfolio holder for economic development, said: “The submission of this application marks the latest step forward in the development of the science park as a key location for local and regional technology growth.

“The development represents a major move towards ensuring the area can retain and develop new technologybased businesses and highquality jobs in line with both the district and county economic prosperity priorities.”

The county council’s cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, Coun Simon Geraghty, said: “Malvern Hills Science Park is a great success story, not only for Malvern but for the county as a whole. The park’s continued development will further strengthen our economy by attracting high quality businesses, and business people, to Worcestershire and consolidating the reputation of Malvern in the defence and cyber security sectors.”

A planning application has been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council.

If it is approved, Mr White hopes work will begin at the end of this year.