Science Minister opens new multi million pound science and enterprise hub at Colworth Science Park
25 May 2011
Innovation Centre has already secured two new occupiers
A new multi-million pound science and enterprise hub that brings together academia, SMEs and blue chip organisations, to encourage collaboration and foster the commercialisation of scientific research and innovation, has been officially opened by Science Minister David Willetts at Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire.
Joint venture owners, managers and developers of Colworth Science Park - international property group Goodman and Unilever plc, with support from the Government through the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), joined forces with Cambridge University, Cranfield University and IFR Extra Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Institute of Food Research, to create the landmark enterprise hub known as The Exchange.
Designed by RMJM, The Exchange will enhance the Park’s open innovation environment where networking and collaboration are integral to the campus culture. The state-of-the-art complex provides a 35,000 sq ft Innovation Centre complemented by 21,000 sq ft of dining, conference and meeting space, all located at the heart of Colworth Science Park.
The Exchange has been made possible by the injection of £13.7 million from the Goodman:Unilever joint venture and EEDA, and is an excellent example of the private and public sectors working together to foster and encourage innovation and growth of the knowledge based economy.
EEDA supported the development of The Exchange, including the Innovation Centre, with £4.4m of funding. This support has enabled IFR Extra Ltd, Cranfield University and the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) to establish a presence at Colworth Science Park alongside one of Unilever’s global research centres and 19 other SMEs on site.
The new development has already attracted PIC UK (Pig Improvement Company), part of Genus, world leaders in animal breeding, which are delivering genetic improvement to all sectors within the UK pig supply chain, and intelligent telemarketing company Blue Donkey, to take space in the Innovation Centre.
Colworth Science Park has set out to become the UK's number one innovation hub for the health and wellness industry. The Exchange will help to achieve this by providing the facilities to foster expert collaboration between the pharmaceutical and food industries - which will be crucial to developing this growing market sector.
Speaking at the official opening, David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: “To make the most of our world class research base we need to encourage close collaboration between the public and private sectors. This creates the right conditions to commercialise research – enabling businesses to work with universities to develop new products and break into new markets, boosting economic growth while helping to maintain our leading edge in science.”
Jim Johnston, Managing Director of Goodman Business and Science Parks, said: “The Exchange has been in development for some time and represents a substantial investment by Goodman, and Unilever. It offers a unique range of services which address a shortage of flexible office and scientific lab space in the UK and enhances Colworth’s supportive environment. Having already attracted three world-class academic institutions and two new occupiers, we are confident that The Exchange will act as a catalyst for attracting additional businesses to Colworth and lead to the creation of new jobs.”
Dr Jim Crilly, Executive Vice President Discover Platforms, Colworth Site Leader, of Unilever said: “The development of The Exchange is a major milestone for Unilever’s Open Innovation strategy and will help us to leverage a wider knowledge base to drive growth in our business. With an overarching objective of being a diverse and vibrant science cluster, Colworth Science Park is helping to lead the next phase in the global evolution of the food and health industries.”
Deborah Cadman OBE, Chief Executive Officer EEDA, said: “The Exchange enhances the region’s position as a world leader in life sciences and is of national significance. It is unique in that it offers companies the chance to access world class academic institutions alongside R&D facilities. This effective use of resources is a great example of how to leverage UK expertise to benefit the food, pharmaceutical and consumer health sectors.”
The Exchange features state-of-the-art meeting and conferencing facilities for up to 200 people and is open to businesses both on and off the Park. The Innovation Centre offers flexible laboratory and office suites designed to accommodate growing businesses and academics in a collaborative environment.