Planning approved for £8m Nottingham Science Park 2
Planning approved for £8m Nottingham Science Park 2
Plans for a new, £8 million business hub at Nottingham Science Park 2 have been approved, creating 200 highly-skilled, new jobs and attracting significant inward investment.
The striking new building will provide office space for innovative science start-ups, or expansion space for growing firms looking for research and development facilities near like-minded firms, creating a more effective hub of commercial activity within the Science Park.
It will also include a café and a conference space, allowing companies to host conferences, events, symposiums and more, providing a central hub for networking across the entire Nottingham Science Park site.
The project will be cost managed by Perfect Circle, a consortium comprising Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, on behalf of Scape Group’s Built Environment Consultancy (BECS) framework. As part of Nottingham City Council’s ongoing investment programme at the park, Perfect Circle has brought together a design team to deliver an innovative and cost-effective proposal.
This project will lead the way in new business creation across the region, helping to put Nottingham on the map for investors and occupiers. Developments like this are important in driving the local economy and we’re really excited to get the green light to move the project forward.
Anthony Cork | Gleeds Director
The building has been designed to complement the existing, colourful buildings on site, with a cantilevered upper floor providing an impressive focal point for the new building.
Home to some of the most innovative companies in the region and located between the University of Nottingham and the Boots Enterprise Zone, Nottingham Science Park is renowned for its architecture and for creating inspiring spaces for people to work. CPMG Architects has been appointed through the approved Perfect Circle supply chain and is responsible for the design of the development.
Richard Flisher, director at CPMG Architects said “We are really proud to be involved in designing the remaining 4.5 acres of Nottingham Science Park; the first phase is Building No2 which includes offices and a focal hub space for the whole park, occupying a prominent position by the University Tram Stop on University Boulevard. We’re pleased to be working again with partners such as Gleeds, CPW and Curtins on such a prominent scheme on behalf of Nottingham City Council.”
Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive said: “The extension of Nottingham’s Science Park will act as a catalyst for the growth and prosperity of local businesses, attracting inward investment and ensuring the East Midlands remains at the forefront of scientific innovation.
Mark continued: “Through collaboration underpinned by a commitment to deliver social value, commissioning the project through our National BECS framework will contribute to local employment and business opportunities and support economic growth.”
The expansion of the Science Park is important to Nottingham: as a Science City, we recognise the way scientific research and manufacture can create jobs, stimulate growth and create great local companies the city can be proud of.
Jon Collins | Leader of the City Council
“Nottingham has a proud history of manufacturing, and of scientific discovery through Boots, the discovery of ibuprofen and the creation of the MRI machine. We want to create many more opportunities for discoveries, cutting edge technology or new breakthroughs, and investing in a new hi-tech building is a crucial step in that.
“Being close to both the University of Nottingham and the Boots Enterprise Zone only enhances the opportunities the Science Park can foster. By investing in an innovative sector of the city and national industry, we can all benefit from this in the future as firms expand and invest more into themselves and into Nottingham.”
Construction work is due to begin in January 2019.