GVA, the UK’s largest independent commercial property consultancy has been appointed to advise The University of Chester on the development of Thornton Science Park.
Located on the 66 acre site of the former Shell Technology Centre, this landmark project is designed to stimulate private sector growth through employment, education and inward investment.
Thornton Science Park currently houses 1,100,000 sq ft of space across 48 buildings, comprising laboratories, workshop, offices, sports facilities and a restaurant.
The University plans to build on the existing foundations laid by Shell to create a new Faculty of Science Engineering and Technology operating alongside the development of the dedicated science park. GVA has been instructed to advise the University on the development of the new campus and Science Park and to market the scheme to potential occupiers.
The University’s new Faculty has been designed to align students directly with the science, engineering, technology and chemical industries. The first students will be admitted to the Faculty in 2014 with three major buildings being adapted to provide a learning resource centre, teaching space, high grade workshop and laboratories.
The scheme will also see the creation of 22 incubator spaces offering state-of-the-art accommodation for SMEs working in the environmental, advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors. SMEs will benefit from access to the University’s specialist knowledge, expertise, facilities and equipment. GVA will also be targeting larger firms and multinationals which will have the opportunity to take advantage of a range of commercial options at the site through partnerships with the University and other stakeholders.
On the instruction, Patrick Whitby, Director at GVA, commented: “Thornton Science Park is undoubtedly one of the most significant and deliverable projects to come to the North West market in recent years. We are delighted to have been chosen by the University to support the project’s development. The new Faculty will complement and support high grade private sector companies active in the environmental, advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors and provide students with the opportunity to study at a world-class facility, alongside on-site science and technology employers.
“Whilst science parks have proliferated in the UK and around the globe for at least three decades, this landmark project seeks to develop a new approach which is focused on building on the relationship between education, industry and government.”
