UK SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARKS: WOLVERHAMPTON SCIENCE PARK LTD

Partnership
provides innovation success

Wolverhampton Science Park?s fourth phase of expansion is currently moving through detailed stages of a design process which is intended to result in a building not only of architectural merit and of practical benefit to its tenants, but also to achieve excellence in matters of energy use and environmental sustainability.

The new project, which is expected to open in about 18 months? time, will add substantially to the Science Park?s capability to provide a firstclass location combined with business support services for new, and existing, technology or creative industry enterprises. Considerable interest is already being displayed by existing tenant companies, who wish to expand their operations, and new enquirers alike.

Wolverhampton Science Park?s location in central England is one of many factors that have continued to ensure further advancement of its distinguished track record of growth and expansion for both the Science Park itself and its tenant companies. Whilst tenant companies have been able to take advantage of its proximity to first-class motorway, rail and air links and from the business support services based on the Science Park and in the nearby city centre, their employees have been able to enjoy a location where good-quality housing is affordable and located on the fringe of open countryside.

Wolverhampton Science Park is a collaboration between the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton City Council, designed to attract and assist the development of companies working in various areas of applied sciences and emerging technologies. The Science Park first opened to tenants in 1995 with an accommodation capacity of some 30,000 square feet. Significant investment was also made in support facilities on the site, which include a substantial conference and meeting centre, catering provision and tenant services which include reception, caretaking, security and other facilities designed to enable tenant companies to operate in the most efficient manner possible. All these are provided by a directly employed inhouse team.

As the principal partner in the Science Park company, the University of Wolverhampton provides substantial support to companies located on the Park. The University has been able to assist many companies with their recruitment needs for graduate or postgraduate qualified staff in technical and business disciplines. Direct support for innovation and R&D needs of companies is delivered by dedicated departments, including the Caparo Innovation Centre and the Competitiveness Centre with activities ranging from specialist commercialisation advice and prototyping to establishment of grant-assisted R&D programmes.

Teamwork and partnership have always been a central feature of the Science Park?s evolution and expansion over the last decade. Apart from the investment made by the Science Park company itself, major investment and support has been received from outside organisations who share the same vision for the future. Notable amongst these have been Advantage West Midlands and Government Office West Midlands who have provided funding from a range of sources, including the European Regional Development Fund.

This assistance and funding has enabled the Science Park to progress through further expansion of both buildings and services provision. To date, these developments have resulted in an accommodation capacity approaching some 120,000 square feet which now includes workshop/laboratory areas as well as more standard offices spaces. The Park?s most recently completed building ? the Creative Industries Centre ? signified an expansion of the Science Park?s target markets into the creative sector and is already home to companies working in various aspects of digital design, from graphics and videography to advanced digital animation production.