Harwell Science and Innovation Campus - which is being developed by international property group Goodman - has secured a major coup with the announcement that the European Space Agency plans to open a research facility at the site. The new centre will focus on researching space robotics and climate change.
In August, Goodman was named the development partner for Harwell when it signed a joint venture with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Goodman is working with these partners to develop the site into one of the world’s principal locations for scientific, academic and business collaboration.
Dr. Sally Ann Forsyth, Director of Science Parks at Goodman commented: “This is a hugely significant announcement underlining the credentials of Harwell and the UK as a world class location for science and innovation. We are confident that alongside our joint venture partners, we have the skills and experience to attract further high calibre customers to Harwell, where we can foster collaboration between businesses, research organisations and academia.”
Lord Drayson, Minister of State for Science and Innovation added: “It is the Government’s priority, particularly in the current economic climate, to ensure the most out of every pound we invest in ESA. This is why we have selected the areas and programmes where the UK can compete and grow most effectively.
“Historically, the UK has made smart investments in robotics and microsatellites and this has enabled us to develop world-class leads in these areas.
“The UK is the fourth highest contributor to the European Space Agency’s programmes, and I'm determined that we remain a significant player in European space.”
Investment at the campus will encompass fundamental scientific research and the development of property, facilities and local infrastructure. A minimum of 100,000 sq m of laboratory, high technology industrial and office accommodation will be developed in the first phase of the project. Up to 5,000 high value knowledge-based jobs are also expected to be created.
This vision for the campus is a key part of the Government’s UK Science and Innovation Investment Framework. The joint venture approach will enable it to benefit from public sector access to global scientific communities, research programmes and facilities, alongside Goodman’s commercial expertise.
ENDS
About Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)
Goodman Group is an integrated property group with operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom. Goodman Group, comprised of the stapled entities Goodman International Limited and Goodman Industrial Trust, is the largest industrial property group listed on Australian Stock Exchange and one of the largest listed industrial property groups globally.
Goodman’s integrated own-develop-manage customer service philosophy ensures its customers receive an end-to-end solution to their property requirements. With more than 1,200 staff and 37 offices in 18 countries, Goodman has the global reach to meet customers’ needs as their businesses expand or evolve. In Europe, Goodman has offices in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Turkey.
Please visit: www.goodman.com
For further information on Goodman please contact:
Hannah Mercer 020 7331 2359 hannah.mercer@cohnwolfe.com
Will Spratt 020 7331 2367 will.spratt@cohnwolfe.com
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