Minister praises Exeter's net zero development
Exeter Science Park has opened its net zero carbon George Parker Bidder building, with £5 million of government funding.
It is hoped the 14,000 square foot site, which is just off J29 on the M25, will support businesses and create more jobs for the city.
Minister for Levelling Up Neil O’Brien MP said: “As we level up communities up and down the country, we will continue to invest in ambitious local projects like Exeter Science Park, which provide opportunity, boost local economies and help communities build back better from the pandemic.”
Funding for the build came from the Government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ of £35.4 million for national projects via the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) in August 2020. It was one of the first projects from the fund to start construction in the area.
According to a forecast by the UK Powerhouse Report 2022, Exeter is expected to see significant employment growth of 1.9 percent by the end of 2022. It was also ranked 8th for the highest projected GVA growth by the end of the year at 3 percent.
Karl Tucker, Chair of the HotSW LEP, said: “With Exeter forecast to see significant continued employment growth through 2022, the Heart of the South West was delighted to allocate £5 million of Government funding to Exeter Science Park for the construction of the new George Parker Bidder building. This exciting development will provide high-quality office space for 100 jobs in the growing science, technology, engineering, maths and medical sectors.”
The first tenants to move into the new building from the Science Park Centre are Concept First, Remit Zero, Securious, Edson Tiger, RX-Info and Dashboard.
Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park, said this has been the fastest turnaround of any building scheme undertaken at the science park, considering it was almost complete less than 18 months after securing funding.
She said: “We’re pleased to see the building already 85 percent pre-let, including a number of businesses moving across from the Science Park Centre, and we already have demand to back-fill their offices.
“Exeter Science Park helps innovative STEMM companies to deliver extraordinary growth and offers space for businesses to remain at the Park through each stage of their lifecycle, which is being realised as we see tenants grow and move through our buildings.”
