To retain more graduates in Leicester a science park has just started at Abbey Meadows, nextdoor to the National Space Centre. It will cost £60 million and will create around 1,000 jobs and will offer space in varying units, for start-up businesses to more established ones.

Key industries to be represented will be in medicine, space science, biotechnology, design and others.

See the LRC's site for more details:Leicester Regeneration Company website (http://www.leicesterregeneration.co.uk/project_science.html)

http://www.leicesterregeneration.co.uk/assets/project_science/newpic_1.jpg

http://www.leicesterregeneration.co.uk/assets/project_science/newpic_2.jpg

http://www.leicesterregeneration.co.uk/assets/project_science/newpic_3.jpg
All above from LRC website

Good news for the Science park, even though developers have just started construction!


OFFICES ARE SO POPULAR

10:30 - 07 August 2007

The Abbey Meadows Office Park has a third of its buildings already under offer.

The new-build office scheme on Abbey Meadows West, in Leicester, is within a mixed use redevelopment, including riverside homes, Science Park and car showroom.

The proposals are proving very popular, report joint agents Mather Jamie, with potential occupiers keen to seek an early position within the development

Located off Abbey Lane, Abbey Meadows West is next to the proposed science park and will provide a new access road to the National Space Centre from Abbey Lane.

Alex Reid, of Mather Jamie - jointly marketing the site with Lambert Smith Hampton - said the scheme is exciting, offering a mix of offices to buy or let in an area of the city undergoing major regeneration.

He said: "Five of the 15 units are already under offer and we anticipate that the others will be snapped up.

"This development is the first of its type offering smaller owner-occupier office space so close to the city centre."

Jane Taylor, of Lambert Smith Hampton, said: "Abbey Meadows West is within easy reach of the city centre and ring road network and is within walking distance of high-quality leisure amenities such as Greens Health and Fitness Club and Abbey Park."

The development is due to complete in spring or summer 2008 and will have self-contained two-storey office buildings ranging from 2,043 square feet to 7,406 square feet .

Each unit will include suspended ceilings, gas central heating, car-parking in a landscaped setting and disabled access.

Individual buildings are available to rent at a cost of £14 per square foot. The freehold cost is £190 per square foot.

That is good news - I wonder who will be moving in?

I’ve just read that their building a new Audi showroom close to the new science park.

This is great, but if it’s replacing the one in Woodgate, it’s going to mean the already neglected areas of Woodgate / Frog Island are loosing another business.

Don't panic about the Audi Showroom moving, that whole area is planned under the waterfront development to improve. There'd already been a number of showrooms which closed. That area will be great, it's so close to the Highcross Development.

The Science Park is going to be great for the city, it will be an opportunity for graduates to stay in the city as well as attracting new businesses here too.

If you've not already read it I've posted a post in the waterside thread about who has been chosen for the waterside masterplan.

The new link road is due for completion this October according to the LRC's website

http://www.leicesterregeneration.co.uk/pressreleases07/28-08-07.html

New, but very small, image of first offices to open in autumn 2008:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/1590850.jpg
Source: Leicester Mercury website.

New, but very small, image of first offices to open in autumn 2008:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/1590850.jpg
Source: Leicester Mercury website.

Whereabouts are those offices going to be exactly?

They'll be next to the Space Centre according to the Mercury - site of the former school maybe?

The render of the new office development as seen in the Mercury are so dull and lifeless, I found it so depressing looking at them. Nicholls the Regeneration Chief was grinning like a chesire cat like it was some big fucking deal. You see crap office developments like this at every non descript logistic/warehouse park off every motorway junction in nowhereville. Is this really the scale of our ambitions for our supposedly prime science & technology park?

I am sorry but Leicester is going backwards again and selling its soul to the cheapest, crappiest, money grabbing developer. Should this area not be about inspiring modern architecture to reflect the optimism of space exploration and be a real statement of intent about Leicester putting itself on the map?

I am sure someone will reply and say this is only the start, but I say start as you mean to go on and on that point it aint going to be much. I name and shame Stanislav Andryszewski and John Nicholls of Leicester Regeneration Company for selling theirs and our souls for a few shekels. I want them to come on here and explain their actions...... fat chance. :ohno:

I agree with you about their 'bog standard' appearence. :ohno:

New, but very small, image of first offices to open in autumn 2008:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/1590850.jpg
Source: Leicester Mercury website.

That looks unbelievably bland. philkeavo is absolutely right. Every out of town business park in the country look like/as good as that. Considering Science will play an important role in the future of our economies, and also considering that Notts is the only official Science City in the region... Leicester is making no attempt to attract science based businesses with this one.

your absolutley right danz,

these offices are exactly the same shit that can be found in the leicester mercury buisiness section under the 'to let' section. apart from the white paint job, these offices are being built all around the country, exactley the same design and everything.

theres some being built near me near fosse park, but these come with a wicked man made lake that attracts all kind ofwild life (well rabbits and geese)

as for leicester science park thing, have they even started that yet?

^^

Well that is the start isn't it???

I don't think that small science businesses can afford stylish offices. And that is what this first phase is going to attract. You're not going to get GSK moving here just yet.

I think some, if not all of you are missing the point.
These blocks aren't the science park but the office park. Having said that they are bland beyond description!

Why do office towers seem to just not work in Leicester?

cos leicesters leicester, thats the problem.

and how do u build buildings for science? is there a one size fits all for science buildings?

I work in the 'science' industry and the majority of offices can be quite bland on the outside, but they usually make a bit of effort on the inside.

we need the buildingd to look a bit sci fiey thats all

We need modern innovative buildings to attract companies from the space & science industries from other cities.

Not sure where to put this so i'll just put it here.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7029564.stm

You university has come up with a space currency... lol.

Space currency will be very important I'm sure! Was the article written for next April?!?!

It seemed quite serious. :lol:

I think I can make enough money on the futures market buying up space currency now that in 2189 it'll be worth enough to pay for the arena!!!

First potentia company named as Zeeko and this is what their factory could look like:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/001-4.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/002-1.jpg

There's more regeneration news in the supplement if you can get hold of one. :)

That's much better than those bloody grove park office clones!

I agree with you there - let's hope there are more interesting buildings to come and good companies. :)

Good to see a company involved in the space industry too.

it looks like a jazzed up victorian factory to me. nothing new, just probaly built out of plastic instead of brick

From the Leicester Mercury today:

A hi-tech engineering firm has capped a busy few weeks by landing an award for being the best worldwide exporter.

Zeeko, in Hermitage Industrial Estate, Coalville, won the Established Exporter Worldwide category at the East Midlands International Business Awards.

A few weeks ago, it won a £2.5 million contract to help build the world's biggest telescope.

Managing director Richard Freeman said the firm has progressed from being a start-up business to a company which has a turnover of over £3 million.

It now sends its wares all over the world, including to China, Korea and India, and is planning to move into a purpose-built 17,500 square foot facility in the new Leicester Science Park, near the National Space Centre, in the next two years.

He said: "We're ecstatic because this has capped an amazing 10 days for us, including the news of our building at the space centre.

"We have 100 per cent export. Everything we make goes overseas, which means we have experience all over the world.

"We make machines for making precision optics, which are used in everything from compact cameras right through to defence optics.

"It's a huge range of things. Our customers have a very wide range of interests, from the big manufacturing markets of China and Hong Kong to the high-tech markets of the US."

Zeeko was recently told it had a contract to supply a giant machine used to make mirrors for the European Southern Observatory (ESO) project. The 1.6 metre-wide machine will be made in Coalville and include parts made by other Leicestershire companies.

Mr Freeman said the specialist polishing machine would only make seven of the 1,206 mirror segments as part of the first phase of the project, which is expected to take up to a decade to complete.

The company now has a good chance of winning further work from the £100 million scheme.

The ESO telescope, likely to be based in the Andes, will collect images of galaxies which formed soon after the Big Bang, between 12 and 14 billion years ago.

Zeeko produces machines which make precisely-designed mirrors and lenses, which are also used for digital projectors.

The company was founded in 2000 and employs two people in Denbighshire, Wales.

Mr Freeman formerly worked at Leicester precision measuring equipment manufacturer Taylor Hobson.

thats wicked news it really is, but its just another leicester/leicester shire company moving. we need to attract big companys from outside the area and the country, not just relocate existing ones.

but i suppose it will attract other buissinessees if handled properly (by that i mean the regeneration company and the council promote this at international science events, not just in the mercury)

From the LRCs website

3rd January 2007

Work on a new access road at Abbey Meadows has been completed, opening up Leicester Science Park for development.

The road, between Abbey Lane and Exploration Drive, will provide access to the two science park sites and the National Space Centre.

The first of the two sites will see a £60 million development that will create 1,000 jobs in the city in science-based ventures accommodated on seven acres of fully-serviced development plots ready for in-coming companies. The land is owned by emda and interest from potential occupants is already strong. An adjoining private development will include offices, a car showroom and riverside housing.

As a whole, Leicester Science Park covers 16 acres. It comprises two sites – the former council depot owned by emda and the Council owned John Ellis School site. Both sites have planning permission for science uses and have been cleared for development.

John Nicholls, Chief Executive of Leicester Regeneration Company said: “Leicester Science Park is now happening, with the infrastructure in place for development to start, and advanced talks in place for potential occupants.

“The National Space Centre has been extremely supportive of this project and their landmark building will provide an exciting backdrop for the new businesses that we expect to see moving into the science park next year.”

Leicester Science Park sits within Abbey Meadows, one of the five key areas in Leicester Regeneration Company’s masterplan for the regeneration of the city. Work is now advancing on site in all five areas. More than £3 billion is forecast to be invested over the next few years.

At Wolsey Island, work is nearing completion on work to restore Boston House, a former 1920s shoe factory. The £5.4 million development will see the sympathetic restoration of the building into 44 loft-style apartments to be called The Shoe Factory.

On a site next door, Morris Homes are completing clearance of their site for 305 apartments, with construction expected to start early this year. The scheme is the second to start at Wolsey Island, an area that has the capacity for 2,000 new homes.

To support developer activity in the area, Leicester City Council has started work in environmental improvements to the riverside and on Abbey Meadows Lane, on the western side of the site. The work has been funded from the Government’s New Growth Point allocation.

In the New Business Quarter, work on One Colton Square is complete, with occupiers already moved in, and Two Colton Square is well underway. Developer Goodman is creating 50,000 square feet of office space and a restaurant on a site that incorporates the Grade II listed former Charles Street Police Station. Work is set to complete next autumn. City and Thames are due to complete 40 apartments on the same site this year.

Work to lay granite paving on Bath Lane and High Street, as part of Leicester City Council’s Streets and Spaces programme, has begun. High Street is being pedestrianised.

At the Waterside, work has started on Cirrus Property’s Blackfriars Development. The development will bring over 600 apartments with shops, cafes and restaurants. High quality granite paving is being laid on Bathe Lane, using Government New Growth Point funding, in support of the new housing that is being developed in the area. Archaeological investigations are on going at No1 Westbridge, the trio of hotel and apartment towers designed by world famous architect Ian Simpson. When completed the towers will the tallest in the East Midlands.

In Northern St Georges, Lee Circle Exchange have started work on converting the Telereal building on Wharf Street in to 129 apartments – the first residential development in this key project area for some time.

At Highcross Leicester, the frontage of the extended Shires shopping centre has been revealed as scaffolding has been removed from the building along Vaughan Way. Construction of the new car park for the centre has now reached full height. The development is set to open next autumn.

Work is underway on the development of 120 one and two-bedroom apartments on the same site.

William Davis's Plans for Abbey Meadows/Science Park - see link for main article:

http://www.williamdavis.co.uk/corporate/project.php?cid=77

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/77a.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/77b.jpg

Thanks for that Leicity :) Looks to be a very promising development..

It's a good start for what will hopefully be a nationally/internationally recognised science park.

will there be swings and a slide in this new science park?

will there be a slide in this new science park?

Yes. And it will rule :D

fucking awesome, the first thing im going to do is piss down the slide and then some general vandalism and tagging

From LRC website:


19th March 2008
Thousands of high-tech jobs on the way as tree-lined gateway is officially opened at Leicester Science Park

Leicester Science Park, a major regeneration project creating thousands of jobs, came a step closer with the official opening of what will become a tree-lined boulevard.

In a VIP opening ceremony, the first of dozens of trees was planted to form a leafy gateway to the science park and the National Space Centre.



The road, between Abbey Lane and Exploration Drive, was jointly funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and local developers William Davies and Sowden Group, and constructed by Danaher and Walsh.

Leicester Regeneration Company Chairman Neil Morris was joined by representatives from Leicester City Council, emda, LSEP, De Montfort University and Leicester University at the event.

The ceremony also marked the start of landscaping on site, with Neil Morris joining forces with the Leader of Leicester City Council, Ross Willmott, and Bryan Jackson, chairman of emda, to plant the first tree.

The structural landscaping will create a boulevard of trees lining the access road, enhancing the science park site and the entrance to the National Space Centre. The landscaping works will be completed at the end of April.

The Science Park aims to retain science-based graduates in the city, and will create over 2,000 jobs in the city in science-based ventures. As a whole, Leicester Science Park covers 16 acres. It comprises two sites – one fronting Abbey Lane and the Council owned John Ellis School site. Both sites have planning permission for science uses and have been cleared for development. LRC are working with Leicester City Council and emda to select a lead developer for both sites. On an adjoining site, Ingleby will be building offices, riverside homes and a car showroom.

Neil Morris said: “It is great to see all of our partners coming together to celebrate the opening of the road and the start of landscaping. This is another big milestone in the regeneration of the city and another step closer to seeing a Science Park completed. We have two fantastic universities that have excellent science and innovation facilities, and these sites will provide jobs that will enable graduate retention.”

Bryan Jackson, Chairman of emda, said: “We believe that the development of skills and expertise in science and innovation is vitally important for the future of the region. emda is proud to be supporting the creation of the Leicester Science Park; it will be a great asset for Leicestershire and the East Midlands and will also assist us in our aim to build a flourishing region by 2020, where skilled people work in thriving, innovative businesses."

Cllr Ross Willmott, leader of Leicester City Council said: "The start of the science park marks the realisation of a commitment the Council made five years ago when I invested £6.85 million in moving the Council's waste depot. This move made the science park possible. I would like to thank emda, Ingleby and the LRC for their investment and commitment to making the science park a reality."

LRC website

Passed this the other day, great new access to the site, which has now allowed about 30 caravans to park there, trash the place and leave gas cylinders and crap behind.

:ohno:

ha ha thats well funny

have i got this rite then? they have built the accsess road and started to landscape it before theyve built the actual science park buildings? surely this means that big construction vehicles are going to be dropping crap all over the place

fuck it i cant be arsed writing any more

you shouldnt judge so quickley, ive just found out that the gypos on the access site are there to tarmac the new roads in a deal wiv leicester city council, something about giving jobs to the jobless and aston martins to willmot and his crew

How many Aston Martins can one council leader need

three

Planning application for phase 2 (amended plans) of the park has been lodged:

http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20060841

Went past the site today and there was a new road with a sign pointing to 'Abbey Meadows Science Park' - well it's a area of vacant land at the moment. :laugh:

As well as Zeeko another Leicestershire company 'Magna Parva' are thinking of moving to the park according to the LRC Feb, 08 minutes:

http://www.leicesterregeneration.co.uk/boardminutes/Minutes04-02-08.pdf

This is their website: http://www.magnaparva.com/

Phase 2 (mostly housing by Bellway Homes) has been approved:

http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20080618

Good news - from Mercury today:

Ready to take off

Leicester Science Park, seen as one of the key parts of the city's £3 billion regeneration, will have its first occupant this time next year.Bosses at hi-tech engineering firm Zeeko, in Coalville, said they were "absolutely confident" of moving to the 20-acre site, off Abbey Lane, by November 2009.

Regeneration bosses said it would be a major boost for the much-anticipated development because it would help to attract similar companies.

Richard Freeman, Zeeko managing director, said a planning application will be submitted to Leicester City Council this week after two years of working with officials on the design of the factory, which would occupy a one-acre plot. The company is also working with East Midlands Development Agency, which owns the land.

"We have been working with planners for the past two years," said Mr Freeman. "We are looking to move before this time next year. We are absolutely confident about that."

Zeeko carries out precision engineering projects for the space industry and 60 per cent of the workforce has a PhD.

Regeneration bosses said it is exactly the kind of business they want at the science park, which is close to the National Space Centre. They see it as a major step forward for the site, which has taken longer to get off the ground than originally planned.

Mr Freeman said it would double staff numbers to 60 and turnover would double to £6 million within two years.

A spokeswoman for Leicester City Council said building work on Zeeko's factory could begin in March, if planning consent was given.

"We are aware an application is imminent and look forward to its submission," she said.

"We would expect to deal with the application within 13 weeks. If permission is granted they could be on site within two to three months."

Work on an access road and utilities has already been completed.

Councillor Patrick Kitterick, the city council's regeneration spokesman, said: "There's been an enormous amount of investment on preparation of the science park.

"Once we get Zeeko in, we are sure others will follow."

John Nicholls, chief executive of Leicester Regeneration Company, said: "I share Mr Freeman's optimism, but it's up to others to decide. I'd like to see them there in the time period they've indicated.

"Zeeko is a great first occupier to have because it's so hi-tech and space related.

"They would act as a great beacon to other similar businesses."

The company makes specialist machines which produce state-of-the-art mirrors. It is now creating a 1.6 metre-wide machine to make mirror segments for the European Southern Observatory, which is set to be the world's biggest telescope.

Source: Leicester Mercury

See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/News/Leicestershire/Ready-to-take-off.aspx

Here's the picture of the proposed Zeeko building from the article last year, which I posted previously:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/001-4.jpg

The steel framework for the safe store premises are progressing.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/philkeavo/Imagesafestore.jpg

Gosh that's being developed very quickly! I hope the office part will start soon.

Here's a proper render of the Zeeko building from their website:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x20/lecimage/CareersZeeko.jpg
See: http://www.zeeko.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=127

Zeeko should be moving into the science park by November, according to this Mercury business article:

http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/News/Leicestershire/Zeeko-zooms-to---number-one-spot.aspx

So finally someone will be moving in. :)

Zeeko Plans

EXPLORATION DRIVE, LAND ADJACENT NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE
TWO STOREY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITY (CLASS B1(b))

http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20090067

:banana:

Great! :)

Going to be some top jobs around there. Great for the city.

From Leicester Mercury business today:

Hi-tech firms look at move to Leicester Science Park
A number of firms are interested in moving into Leicester Science Park, it emerged today.

Business leaders said "several" companies were looking at relocating to the 20-acre site, off Abbey Lane.It comes after hi-tech firm Zeeko said it hoped become the park's first resident by autumn this year.

The cutting edge companies, which are all small and fast-growing, are interested in occupying the park's proposed innovation centre.

The development of the park is set to receive new impetus over the next few months having taken far longer to get off the ground than expected.

The chief executive of the new Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Development Company (LLEDC), said the science park will be one of his priorities when the new group begins work next month.

It is thought either Leicester Regeneration Company or LLEDC will bid for European funding for some of the estimated £5 million cost of the innovation centre in the next two months. The remainder of the cash is likely to come from other public sector bodies.

John Nicholls, chief executive of Leicester Regeneration Company, which is set to be absorbed into the LLEDC, said: "Several companies have expressed an interest in the park. They are hi-tech companies with potential for expansion, which is exactly what the science park is aimed at."

Mr Nicholls said he hoped to see the centre, which has not yet received formal planning consent, ready for occupation by the end of 2010.

Two previous bids to create an innovation centre - one using European funding and another using a private sector developer - have failed over the past five years.

The science park has been criticised in some quarters for being too far from the city's two universities.

LLEDC chief executive David Hughes has highlighted the importance of the city's two universities, as well as Loughborough University, to the success of the park. Planning consent for Loughborough Science Park, next to the town's university, which will create 3,000 jobs, is expected this week.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: "We should be retaining graduates. There's a very good chance we will be talking with the three universities about how we can work together on Leicester Science Park."

Zeeko, based in Coalville, is the only company to commit itself to the park. A planning application for a one-acre factory site has been submitted to Leicester City Council.

The company would double staff numbers to 60 after the relocation and turnover would double to £6 million within two years.

Last month, the firm announced it had won orders worth £2.45 million.

Source: Leicester Mercury

See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/News/Leicestershire/Hi-tech-firms-look-at-park-relocation.aspx

From today's Business Mercury:

The key to future successes

Leicester Science Park is now seen as the city's key regeneration project and the yardstick by which its success will be measured (see page opposite).The flagship schemes which were completed last year were all very important to the future of the city and county.

However, the lack of a science park puts the city at a considerable disadvantage, making it harder to attract the fast-growing, cutting-edge businesses that will be the major employers of the future.

The 20-acre park, off Abbey Lane - close to the National Space Centre - promises to be the catalyst the city needs to turn itself into a hi-tech economy.

However, it is facing competition from Loughborough, whose science park is seen as having the advantage of being next to a university.

Surely the county should be able to accommodate two science parks if it is to realise its ambitions?

Crime is one of the biggest problems affecting businesses at the best of times - but when the economy takes a turn for the worst it starts to become a much bigger concern.

Business leaders have warned theft and fraud are set to soar this year as people become more desperate because of the deepening recession, exacerbating the impact of falling trade.

The latest Crime Against Business Survey of 133 Leicester city centre businesses found that shoplifting increased last year, and is likely to rise again this year.

Some shopkeepers say they are worried about the safety of staff as thieves become bolder as the downturn gets worse.

Politicians and religious leaders may appeal to the public's morality, but that may be increasingly difficult to do when the executives who caused the recession are seen to be walking away from the mayhem with millions of pounds in their pockets.

One man who has certainly not been rewarded for failure is John Nicholls, who has been praised for the key role he has played in Leicester's multi-billion regeneration programme. The chief executive of the Leicester Regeneration Company stepped down on Friday after seven years of leading the body. John's success was to mix determination with diplomacy - something a number of now disgraced London-based captains of industry could have benefited from.

Source: Leicester Mercury
See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/News/Leicestershire/The-key-to-future-successes.aspx

Zeeko related news from Mercury business today:

NASA moon mission is one giant leap for Zeeko


It is one small step towards Man's return to the moon - but one giant leap for a small Leicestershire engineering firm. Nasa is to map the lunar surface to find a safe landing ground for astronauts due to go there in 2020.

When the space agency's £345 million Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, next month, on board will be powerful lenses created by machines manufactured in Leicestershire.

Coalville company Zeeko, which specialises in machines which make optics for cameras and telescopes, won a £1 million contract to supply two of its devices to Light Works Optics, of California.

Light Works used the machines to produce the lenses for the lunar orbiter.

Richard Freeman, Zeeko's co-founder and managing director, said: "We are delighted about this. It's one of the pinnacles for us and a bit of a childhood dream."

He revealed the company was in talks with Nasa officials about another space-related project, but said it was too early to give details.

Technical engineer Robert Darlison, 58, of Syston, went to California to carry out maintenance work on the lens-making machines.

He said: "Working for a company which is involved in the space industry is really exciting."

Experts believe Nasa will use the landing ground identified on the moon as a launch pad for a manned mission to Mars.

Mr Darlison said: "It's fantastic that these machines could help in a manned mission to Mars. It's certainly different to my previous job working with machine tools."

Grey Hautaluoma, spokesman for Nasa, said: "There are high expectations of all suppliers to Nasa projects. This is an important mission in Nasa's return to the moon."

As many recession-hit manufacturing firms struggle to stay afloat, fast-growing Zeeko is on track to treble turnover to £9 million over the next two years.

The company also recently won a £2.5 million contract to create a machine to make mirror segments for the European Southern Observatory - set to be the world's biggest telescope.

Zeeko, currently in Hermitage Industrial Estate, is due to relocate to Leicester Science Park, off Abbey Lane, in the autumn, where it will double its workforce to 60.

Leicester businessman Dennis Kent, vice-president of the Midlands branch of the Engineering Employers' Federation, said: "This highlights the level of hi-tech expertise there is in the county.

"This is great news for manufacturing in Leicestershire.

"Zeeko's association with Nasa will hopefully attract more hi-tech companies and jobs to Leicestershire."

Source: Leicester Mercury


See:http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/News/Leicestershire/Mission-to-the-moon-is----one-giant-leap-for--zeek.aspx

That's superb :D

If NASA wanted to better simulate a baron world incapible of supporting intelligent life such as Mars, they could take a look at Belgrave Gate.

I had a strange image of them firing a rocket from Abbey Meadows into Belgrave Gate, for NASA style experiments. Then I thought perhaps they could just fire a rocket full of explosives and that pleased me...

:lol:

From today's Business Mercury:

The land of opportunity

The 20-acre site earmarked as Leicester Science Park remains a barren plot of land, with only one firm committed to moving in.However, the new head of regeneration in Leicestershire wants plans to move forward to make it an eye-catching hub for cutting-edge companies.

David Hughes, chief executive of Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Development Company, said it was important to "move quickly" to secure funding for a £5 million innovation centre for start-up firms and university spin-out companies.

He said that he wants to have the money in place by early 2010 "at the latest", so work can begin at the site, off Abbey Lane, next year.

The organisation is hoping to win funding from the European Regional Development Fund and East Midlands Development Agency.

Mr Hughes also wants to attract developers and potential tenants by considering rent-free periods and rental guarantees for investors, while enlisting the help of universities to attract expanding companies to Leicestershire from the UK and overseas.

Up to a dozen small hi-tech firms could be given spaces at the innovation centre.

It is hoped that having them there will help illustrate the potential of the site to larger companies.

Mr Hughes said: "The whole idea is to be able to kick-start the site and get the first businesses in, because that means there will be more confidence in it.

"We don't want to see general office units going in there.

"We want to hold out and stick to our vision of science-related enterprises.

"We have to stay with that plan rather than fold at the first opportunity by getting other developments that fill up space but doesn't add anything to our strategy to encourage science-related business to develop.

"There is a push to take anything you can get in the current climate, which means compromising on quality, but that's not something we want to do.

"We have a number of enterprises at De Montfort University and the other universities in Loughborough and Leicester that are looking for space to move in to from the very small units in and around the universities.

"They can be incubated at the science park before they move on to become fully-fledged businesses."

He said he wanted to have a "firm commitment" for funding to be in place for the innovation centre by next March.

He said: "If it isn't - and I'm not feeling negative about it - we would need to review the future direction of the science park."

It is hoped the universities will be able to help entice more hi-tech firms.

Mr Hughes said: "It's pointless doing this without the universities.

"You can't just create a site, beautify it, and expect property agents to market it for you.

"You have to be in the network of universities and be in an entrepreneurial spirit with them.

"They all have unique things they each offer to companies.

"They have trading links with the outside world and if they get a chance to influence those companies, who knows, there may be good contacts abroad in India or China that we can try to foster."

Technology firm Zeeko, of Coalville, is the only firm to have confirmed it wants to move on to the site.

Source: Leicester Mercury
See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/News/Leicestershire/The-land-of-opportunity.aspx

Zeeko's new building has been granted planning permission:

http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20090067

From today's Mercury:


Opinion: Science park back on track
Tuesday, August 04, 2009, 08:30

Comment on this story

After being in danger of becoming the regeneration project that time forgot, it seems Leicester Science Park is finally back on track, writes Ian Griffin.

The 20-acre site off Abbey Lane, close to the National Space Centre, has been hit by a combination of the construction slump and two aborted attempts to secure a developer.

The scheme, being led by Leicester City Council, has been given a huge vote of confidence after one of the county's best-known cutting-edge engineering firms said it was interested in moving in.

Intelligent Energy's endorsement should not be underestimated.

This is a company with ties to the some of the world's biggest names in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Click here to find out more!

As I have said a number of times before in this column, a science park should now be Leicester's main priority in the next stage of the city's £3bn regeneration.

It would not only help to retain more graduates from the county's three universities but act as a showcase for its wide-range of technological know how.

These should be the two key components of a vibrant and expanding 21st century county.

Leicestershire's scientific pedigree is second to none – DNA criminal profiling was developed here, many companies supply Nasa and other space agencies and the University of Leicester's Space Research Centre is admired across the world.

Zeeko, of Coalville, which makes machines to produce lenses for space telescopes, and Magna Parva, of Bardon, which has developed a device for detecting life on Mars, are both fantastic companies.

But the arrival of Intelligent Energy would really make the technology sector sit up and take notice and help to lure companies from outside the county.

The next step is to see whether the park can secure the £2.4m of funding it needs for the £6m innovation centre, which forms a key part of the development.

Intelligent Energy itself was a fledgling firm a few years ago.

Incubating such businesses will be as important as bringing in ready-made ones.

It was interesting to read the report into East Midlands Development Agency from the five Labour MPs who form the East Midlands Select Committee.

They managed to give the Government-funded economic development organisation some criticism for not doing enough for the countryside.

There were also recommendations about consulting with unions and other groups and a bit of concern about funding cuts.

But you never really expected them to give an agency set up by the Labour Government too much of a hammering.

See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/leicestershire/Opinion-Science-park-track/article-1219363-detail/article.html

Do you ever get the feeling that the Space Centre and Science Park are in the wrong part of the city? Surely they should be nearer to the universities? Loughborough already caters for its graduates in this respect.

I would rather that it supported just Leicester's universities and help their fledgling firms. I think the site is ok as as it's not too near the city centre and not too far out.

But the graduates of the universities that stay tend to gravitate to the south of the city centre. More would be driven to stay if the Science Park was nearer to Leicester University in particular. Unlikely that any of them will feel the urge to live to Beaumont Leys. Yes they can face a daily commute across town, but if that is the option - why not move somewhere else?

Aren't the areas around the universities rather heavily built up in comparison to west Leicester?

I imagine the first thought that entered the minds of the regeneration people when considering this was: "Where in Leicester is there is enough derelict land for a 20 acre science park?".

And the second was: "Oh... Not Knighton or the West End"

But the graduates of the universities that stay tend to gravitate to the south of the city centre. More would be driven to stay if the Science Park was nearer to Leicester University in particular. Unlikely that any of them will feel the urge to live to Beaumont Leys. Yes they can face a daily commute across town, but if that is the option - why not move somewhere else?

Perhaps affordable housing could have been incorporated into the plans?

I know other developers nearby have to provide such housing but it's not integral to the park.

Access isn't too bad. Most buses have connections with the universities with little or no stops in between.

The old gasworks near Aylestone, Freeman's Common, the vacant land around the Walkers Stadium, part of Aylestone Meadows?

Well, I guess they just wanted the science park to be near the space museum then (coming soon... an exhibit featuring a grumpy old man, two comprehensive school teachers, a teenager and a blue box).

The blue box. OOO I am interested now. I think this is good although I'm sure a tram line going down that side of town from the Universities would greatly improve the area. It won't be that hard to have a tram line, past B&Q and Abbey Park ending up at DeMontfort University and then round to the station from there? Anyone see the potential of a tram line down New Walk?

No. Never.

New Walk wasn't meant for vehicles.

Surely if the tram line went up New Walk though, it would serve both Universities, the City Centre and the train station relatively easily?

How can you even think of demolishing New Walk just to put a bloody tram through it?!

Naughty duane, naughty.

Anyone see the potential of a tram line down New Walk?

:bash:

Surely if the tram line went up New Walk though, it would serve both Universities, the City Centre and the train station relatively easily?

It's a ten minute walk between all three! I know people are lazy but still!

How about running alongside New Walk on the side streets round the back. Once you are where the train lines are, you could easily extend the route down by saffron lane. In the other direction once you are at DeMontfort, you can easily extend the route to the science park. Just an idea?

I like the idea of it running somewhere there, I've always supported the idea of trams in leicester.

I quite like the new walk. I was considering writing to "our leader" and telling him to create a new walk to the north.

I quite like the new walk. I was considering writing to "our leader" and telling him to create a new walk to the north.

Simple but brilliant idea and why not an East and West New Walk ?

Prior to the credit crunch. I believe there were plans for an extension. It was going to be part of the Leisure Development on Vaughan Waynext to the 15 storey hotel.

I think the council should part fund the new walk and develop it anyway. Once the economic climate improves they can continue with the business project

I think there are still plans to extend New Walk northwards. We are only talking about an extension beyond Highcross down to All Saint's and the riverside. The rest of the route just carries on through town.

What the City Council should do is use New Walk as a template for future development in the city. It works fine and attracts businesses, which is the point of development. So recreate the look and feel of New Walk and you're onto a winner. Only the frontages need to be recreated. Behind them you can build anything...

I think the refurbishment of Loseby Lane and Carts Lane are part of the scheme to 'extend' New Walk to HX if I am not mistaken.

That is true. It is the bit after Highcross that is still missing - including part of the old Highcross Street the other side of the ring road. I have a sneaky feeling that the failure to develop over the ring road (which was the original plan for Highcross), killed off the New Walk Extension. It has just never been formally killed.

Well done anyway Leicester City Council, for not forcing through the ring road element of the scheme! You had a major developer willing to throw £350 million pound at a retail scheme and were given the opportunity to get through something that would finally link the city centre to the riverside. No worries though eh...

This thread appears to be drifting off course.

^^

Maybe the New Walk extension could be deviated to the Science Park. :D

Planning application for housing at science park:

http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20090922

Well that solves the problem of where they're going to put the boffins :D

Unless they are snapped up by others?

The houses or the boffins?

Both?

Yep the boffins by a city with a decent transport system and the houses by demontfort student landlords.

From today's Business Mercury:

Space race as Zeeko heads for £4m in orders
Tuesday, November 03, 2009, 09:30

A hi-tech engineering firm is looking at expanding its new factory after winning £4m of orders.

Zeeko, which makes machines which create precision parts for space telescopes, is due to move into a new site at Leicester Science Park next year.

Work on the 17,000 sq ft building, double the size of its premises in Coalville, has been delayed because gaining planning consent took longer than anticipated. But bosses are now considering creating a plant of more than 20,000sq ft to accommodate the expected influx in orders.

Richard Freeman, Zeeko co-founder and managing director, said: "We had planned to build an extension after a while. Now we are considering doing it all at the same time. The final decision has not been made yet."

It comes after a new sign displaying the names of the science park and the space centre was unveiled at the park's Abbey Lane entrance last week.
Click here to find out more!

Zeeko, which is set to be 20-acre park's first occupier, has just won a contract worth £3m for four machines – two big and two small – with a private sector company in Asia. They will be used to polish specialist mirrors to ensure they meet precise specifications.

"The big ones will be used to make mirrors for ground based telescopes and the small ones will be used for in the specialist optics industry." said Mr Freeman.

Another two orders, totalling £1m, are with public sector bodies in Continental Europe and the Middle-East.

The new work will help double the firm's turnover from £2m last year to almost £6m next year. This year's turnover is expected to be £4m.

Zeeko has bought a one-acre plot at the science park – next to the National Space Centre, off Abbey Lane – from East Midlands Development, which funded the new sign.

Building work on the £2m factory should start after Christmas, with the site set to be up and running in November next year, said Mr Freeman. The firm would then increase the workforce from 41 to 60.

"It's an ideal place for a company like us," he said. "We are a cutting-edge space sector company right next to the National Space Centre. What could be better than that?

"It took a long time for us to get planning permission. We have now had a meeting with our architects and the whole project is now going out to tender."

Zeeko, currently at Coalville's Hermitage Industrial Estate, is about to ship its first machines to Japan, including one machine to Chubu University in Japan, which has a Zeeko research laboratory.

"We hope to form a Zeeko division in Japan soon", said Mr Freeman. The company already has an operation in the United States.

David Hughes, chief executive of Prospect Leicestershire, which is charged with the economic development of the county, said: "It's excellent news that Zeeko are looking to start work on their site in the New Year. They will give the science park a major boost."

See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/leicestershire/Space-race-Zeeko-heads-163-4m-orders/article-1479492-detail/article.html

From today's Business Mercury:

See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/leicestershire/Space-race-Zeeko-heads-163-4m-orders/article-1479492-detail/article.html

This is really significant. The only way UK PLC will compete in the future is by investing in hi tech. Bring it on!

I'm so pleased for Zeeko, they're going from strength to strength. It's great to have such companies in Leicester - they are the real pioneers. Good news!

From today's Mercury:

£20m fund to attract hi-tech firms
Tuesday, February 09, 2010, 08:30

Leicestershire is in line for millions of pounds of investment to help attract cutting-edge firms.

The Urban Development Fund has been launched today to provide public money for new business premises across the East Midlands.

Developers and firms – mainly those involved in science and technology – will be able to bid for loans or for investment in property in return for equity.

Regeneration leaders said the fund could help pay for future developments at science parks in Leicester and Loughborough, and other sites in the city and county.

Getting the 20-acre Leicester Science Park in Abbey Lane off the ground has taken longer than expected because of the recession and difficulties in getting finance.

A total of £15m has already been earmarked for the fund, £5m of which is coming from East Midlands Development Agency (Emda), with the rest from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Emda said repayments from successful loans will be pumped back into the fund so it can continue to finance schemes for years to come. In some cases, investment will be offered for equity which will later be cashed in.

The value of the fund is expected to grow to £20m in the next few years.

David Hughes, chief executive of economic development agency Prospect Leicestershire, said it would be ensuring the city and county takes "full advantage" of the fund.

He said: "We welcome this new fund as an important part of financing our aspirations for growing businesses in the innovation sector.

"The main problem with getting property built at the moment is that people can't access funding.

"Urban development funds are being created across the country as one way of getting through that barrier."

Emma Corbett, Emda's director of strategy and communications, said the fund – which is being managed by King Sturge Financial Services – would not just benefit hi-tech firms.

She said: "We're not going to be overly dogmatic – the fund is focused on innovation, but we're not going to rule out any kind of businesses."

Emda chairman Dr Bryan Jackson said: "Generally, ERDF funding is awarded in the form of grants, but the creation of the Urban Development Fund allows us to make this funding work harder for the region."

Leicester Science Park, next to the National Space Centre, has been planned for about nine years. Leicester City Council last year submitted an application for £2.4m of European cash to help pay for an innovation centre at the site.

Planning consent for Loughborough Science Park, next to the university, was secured last February.

The university has said up to 2,500 research and office jobs could be created by the 26-acre development.

See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/leicestershire/163-20m-fund-attract-hi-tech-firms/article-1818036-detail/article.html

I didn't realise the park had been in mind for so long, a pity it's not done and dusted. Fingers crossed on the Euro-funds.

Too small and the wrong location...

Some good news. (And heaven forfend, the local COUNCIL has actually done something ;) )

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/600-jobs-hope-Leicester-science-park/article-1878074-detail/article.html

600 jobs hope at Leicester science park

Hi-tech businesses could be nurtured and 600 jobs created as part of a £4.8m science park development.
Leicester City Council has secured funding to build "incubator" units for up to 50 firms on land next to the National Space Centre.
It is hoped the scheme will kick-start a boom in enterprise and build on research at Leicester's two universities.
The £4.8m has come from European, regional and national sources.
Architects are drawing up a final design for the scheme, called the Innovation Workspace Project.
Peter Chandler, the council's project manager, said: "We are coming out of a recession and that has impacted on the whole economy.
"But we believe a quality scheme that's focused on company growth will be attractive to businesses."
The proposed building, on the site off Abbey Lane, comprises a mix of office and workshop space for up to 50 firms.
Mr Chandler said about 600 jobs would be created by the time the building was at full capacity, which would take about four years.
Councillor Patrick Kitterick, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We are very pleased this has been given funding."
Dr Vicky Vass, pro vice-chancellor of De Montfort University, said: "This project complements the university's expertise in technology research, knowledge transfer and business support collaboration, and provides excellent opportunities for driving forward innovation in Leicester."
So far, hi-tech engineering firm Zeeko is the only confirmed tenant for the science park.
The Coalville business hopes to move on to the site this year.
Bellway Homes is building 136 flats and 25 houses on land at the science park.
The council's cabinet is due to agree on Monday that the project can go ahead.
A full planning application is due in May.

At last something more substantial. :)

Artilce in relation to this in the LCC website today:
Decision due for Science Park Innovation Workspace

no: 96-10
date: March 2, 2010

A MAJOR scheme to create high-quality environmentally-sustainable workspaces for over 50 innovative companies could be given the go-ahead by the city council next week.

The council’s cabinet is being asked to approve the start of the Leicester Science Park Innovation Workspace project, which will provide over 25,000 sq ft of business space and is expected to create over 600 jobs.

Funding has been secured for the £5.2m project from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Government’s Working Neighbourhoods Fund.

The project will be based on land near the National Space Centre and is intended to kick-start the development of the wider Science Park plans for the site.

Completing the development and attracting hi-tech businesses to the city are part of the council’s One Leicester vision for the city, with the aim of driving up wages and helping the city retain graduates.

Leicester City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Patrick Kitterick, said: “This scheme is a fantastic example of bringing regeneration and jobs to the city, and will also play a key role in encouraging graduates to live and work in Leicester after they leave university.

“I look forward to progressing to the next step in this exciting project.”

The project is being managed by Leicester City Council in collaboration with Leicester University and De Montfort University, to build on their existing research and support programmes, as well as with partners at emda, Prospect Leicestershire and the National Space Centre.

Diana Gilhespy, executive director of regeneration at emda, added: “emda is pleased to be supporting the development of this innovation workspace at Leicester Science Park, which will help contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Leicester as well as helping to attract new businesses to the city.”

The Leicester Science Park Innovation Workspace proposal and initial project development were approved last August, and now cabinet members are being asked to approve the funding and deliver the project.

If it gets the go-ahead from cabinet, work on the final designs for the building will be completed and a planning application submitted in May 2010.

See: http://www.leicester.gov.uk/newssite/index01.asp?pgid=9814

Update from Prospect Leicestershire website:
LEICESTER SCIENCE PARK

Funding has been secured to create 50 high-quality environmentally-sustainable workspaces for innovative companies in Leicester after Leicester City Council's cabinet members gave the go-ahead for the construction of "incubator" units for firms.


The Leicester Science Park Innovation Workspace project will provide more than 25,000 sq ft of business space and is expected to create over 600 jobs.



Architects are now in the process of drawing up a final design for the scheme, called the Innovation Workspace Project.

The £5.2m project is supported by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Government¹s Working Neighbourhoods Fund.


The project will be based on land near the National Space Centre and is intended to kick-start the development of the wider Science Park plans for the site.

Completing the development and attracting hi-tech businesses to the city are part of the council's One Leicester vision for the city, with the aim of driving up wages and helping the city retain graduates.

Leicester City Council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Patrick Kitterick, said: "This scheme is especially important with the closure of AstraZeneca.

"One of the opportunities for people employed by that firm will be to set up their own small businesses on the site.

"I look forward to progressing to the next step in this exciting project."


Prospect Leicestershire chief executive David Hughes said: "This is a long term project which has been hampered by the downturn in the economy. But the council, with support from emda, is stepping in to kick-start development. Prospect Leicestershire will continue to work with the council and universities to make the first phase a major success for attracting high technology companies to Leicester."

The project is being managed by Leicester City Council in collaboration with Leicester University and De Montfort University, to build on their existing research and support programmes, as well as with partners at emda, Prospect Leicestershire and the National Space Centre.

Diana Gilhespy, executive director of regeneration at emda, added: "emda is pleased to be supporting the development of this innovation workspace at Leicester Science Park, which will help contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Leicester as well as helping to attract new businesses to the city."

The Leicester Science Park Innovation Workspace proposal and initial project development were approved last August, and now cabinet members are being asked to approve the funding and deliver the project.
See: http://www.prospectleicestershire.co.uk/news/leicester-science-park

Some good news from the Mercury today:

Zeeko to press ahead with £2m Leicester factory
Tuesday, June 08, 2010, 09:30

A hi-tech firm says it is going ahead with a £2 million factory in Leicester, despite part of the proposed site being under threat.

Zeeko, which makes machines that create precision parts for space telescopes, is looking to move from its current premises in Coalville to a one-acre plot at Leicester Science Park by May next year.

Last week, the Leicester Mercury reported a £4.8 million innovation centre planned for the park, mainly funded by regional and government sources, could be scrapped.

Leaked city council documents showed the centre, which could have created up to 600 jobs, faces the axe because of cuts in Government funding.

Zeeko wants to relocate its 32 hi-tech jobs to the park and create another 28.

So far it is the only business to have committed to the 20-acre site, off Abbey Lane.

Managing director Richard Freeman said he expected to sign an agreement with East Midlands Development Agency to buy the land this month. It is also on course to secure a deal with building contractors at the same time.

"As far as I'm concerned we are almost at the point of no return on this," he said.

"We have all the funding in place and have agreed a builder verbally. We haven't yet signed to purchase the land, but that's been lined up."

Zeeko announced in 2007 its intention to relocate to the science park.

Work on the 17,000 sq ft building, double the size of its premises at Hermitage Industrial Estate, Coalville, has been delayed because gaining planning consent took longer than anticipated.

Zeeko recently won contracts worth £4 million, including one for four machines – two big and two small – with a private sector company in Asia.

They will be used to polish specialist mirrors to ensure they meet precise specifications.

Another two orders, totalling £1 million, are with public sector bodies in Continental Europe and the Middle-East.

The new work will help double the firm's turnover to £6 million this year.

David Hughes, chief executive of Prospect Leicestershire, said: "We have been aware of Zeeko's interest in Leicester Science Park for some time.

"We will work with our partners to help them to contractually commit to the site and start building work."

Another space science firm, Magna Parva, of Bardon, near Coalville, has previously said it wanted to move to the site in the next few years.

See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/leicestershire/ll-ahead/article-2277987-detail/article.html

Regarding the Science Park and the Business Quarter; Does it matter if the funding is scrapped ? Surely as long as the land is available and planning permission is granted then a prospective company could go ahead with it's plans.

The infastructure, roads and services would i presume have to be funded by the company itself rather than the tax payer. (which i suppose could stop smaller firms from setting up in the city)

I just hope the land is zoned to allow only relevant uses, whether there is state involvement or private finance or both.

Fro thisisbusiness East Midlands:
Sweet science of regeneration
Saturday, March 12, 2011, 09:30

To many, Leicester Science Park is simply pie in the sky – a worthy ambition which will never get off the ground.

To others, it is crucial to the growth of the city's economy by helping retain the hundreds of highly-skilled graduates who leave its two universities each year.

However, 10 years after first being proposed, the creation of a science and space-related businesses hub seems far away.

Only one company, hi-tech firm Zeeko, has so far committed to the site – which stands completely empty – and last year a £4.5 million innovation centre, a key part of the scheme, was put in doubt after funding was lost to Government cutbacks.

However, behind the scenes, project leaders are confident development of the 20-acre site, off Abbey Lane, can happen.

The city council is bidding to secure a £2.18 million slice of a £1.4 billion Government cash pot known as the Regional Growth Fund.

The money would be used to fund the building of the innovation centre, which would house small hi-tech firms and could create up to 600 jobs.

The remainder of the funding would come from other public sources.

Zeeko, which manufactures machines which make specialist mirrors for space satellites, plans to build a £2.2 million base at the park.

The 20,000sq ft factory would double the size of its complex at Hermitage Industrial Estate, Coalville.

The company, which employs 34 people, said the extra space would see it increase its workforce to 60. Bosses have previously said they want to have completed building work by the middle of this year.

Peter Chandler, innovation centre project manager, said: "We have a handful of other companies who are interested in the park. Zeeko is the most advanced."

David Hughes, chief executive of Prospect Leicestershire, the agency charged with attracting businesses to the county, said: "After all the hard work put in on the science park, we are really hopeful we are going to get the Regional Growth Fund money and unlock this ambition."

Meanwhile, business leaders want to give the park a further boost by making it part of a city enterprise zone.

Earlier this week, Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to invest £100 million in up to 10 zones to boost business and create jobs in the Midlands and northern England.

Business leaders and politicians have said they will lobby for a zone in the city, which would have lower taxes for businesses and simplified planning rules.

Martin Traynor, managing director of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "It would give you the opportunity to offer packages to companies who may be looking to relocate.

"The attractions would be assistance with national insurance payments, discounts on business rates and fast tracking of planning applications."

Some have blamed the park's location away from the city centre for its lack of success. However, Mr Traynor does not think this is a problem. "With internet technology, there's no longer a requirement for the science park to be right next to a university," he said.

See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/leicestershire/Sweet-science-regeneration/article-3322457-detail/article.html

The site is too far away from the two universities and the ambition is too limited.

There is a 538,000 sq ft Science Park just a few miles north at Loughborough. Science Parks in Cambridge and Cheshire have, or are planning to have 1.5 million sq ft of space.

I thought all along that the Space Centre should have been built at Leicester University Campus, where the Space Research Centre is. Would have made perfect sense.

The Leicester Science Park location was only really chosen because of the proximity to the Space Centre and Museum of Technology. Yet somewhere nearer Leicester University, say Freemen's Common would have been better.

I'm not sure the internet technology argument; making the location of the Science Park close to the universities not necessary, is that valid. Almost all Leicester University students live close to, or on the bus route to Victoria Park. Any graduates attracted to a new Science Park, would I'm sure want it to be easy to get to. Same for university staff too.

Personally I would rather have seen the Science Park placed next to the train station, rather than the Business Quarter. Fresh graduates would have less need to drive, as most of them live within walking distance of the city centre in their initial post-graduate phase. So the parking problems which are holding up the Business Quarter, would have been less of an issue.

^^^^ good points. perhaps to improve the sucess of the site a more high profile bus route could be deployed.

A university to science park 'hopper' bus could help - the new bendy bus go go a little extra distance?

From today's Mercury:

City Council may buy science park for about £2m
Thursday, April 21, 2011, 09:30
Comment on this story

A business park which could create 1,000 jobs may be bought by Leicester City Council for around £2 million to safeguard its future.

Leicester Science Park, off Abbey Lane, has been put up for sale by the Government agency which owns it - with the council being given first refusal.

Four of the candidates vying to be Leicester's first elected mayor said they would bring the six-acre plot under the council's ownership because of its importance to the city.

The park was first proposed 10 years ago as a hub for space and science-related companies.

Business leaders fear the park's development would be held up if it was taken over by a private investor.

It is standing empty because of problems securing funds to develop it.

Stephen Read, property manager at owners East Midlands Development Agency, said: "We have given Leicester City Council until the end of May to have first refusal. If they don't wish to acquire it, it would be put on to the open market."

A city council spokeswoman said: "We are considering our position and will take a view after the new mayor is in place."

Four of the mayoral candidates - Ross Grant (Conservative), Gary Hunt (Liberal Democrat), Rick Moore (Independent) and Sir Peter Soulsby (Labour) - yesterday said they would buy the site if they were elected on May 5.

Martin Traynor, chief executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's important to keep it within public ownership, which will give the city council the option to be able to develop it when the money becomes available.

"My fear is that if it ended up in private hands it could hold up development in that part of the city."

The land is expected to be sold at a commercial rate.

Geoff Gibson, director of commercial property agent Lambert Smith Hampton's Leicester office, said the fact the park was restricted to science-related businesses affected its value.

"It's likely to be worth around £2 million," he said.

Only one company, hi-tech firm Zeeko, of Coalville, has so far committed to the site and last year a £4.5 million innovation centre, a key part of the scheme, was put in doubt after funding was lost to Government cutbacks.

The city council is bidding to secure £2.18 million of Government cash to build the innovation centre, which would house small hi-tech firms and could create up to 600 jobs, while the other 400 posts would come from other firms setting up there.

The remainder of the funding would come from other public sources. Business leaders want to give the park a further boost by making it part of a city enterprise zone, which would benefit from lower business taxes and simplified planning rules.
See: http://www.thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk/leicestershire/City-council-buy-science-park/article-3474748-detail/article.html

^^^^ Will the new mayor consult his citizens first ?

isn't this a case of the pot calling the kettle black:

Martin Traynor, chief executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's important to keep it within public ownership, which will give the city council the option to be able to develop it when the money becomes available.

"My fear is that if it ended up in private hands it could hold up development in that part of the city."

Surely there would be more motivation and higher priorities if it was a private development rather than another council project.

From today's Mercury:
£5m innovation centre could bring 150 jobs
Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A £5 million innovation centre could create about 150 jobs.

The city council yesterday announced plans to buy land at Leicester Science Park, off Abbey Lane, in the city, and build a centre which would support new and growing hi-tech businesses.

The centre, which could open by spring 2013, would house up to 60 work spaces for small companies specialising in advanced manufacturing, environmental and low-carbon technology.

It is estimated 150 jobs could be created at the centre by 2015, including highly skilled positions for graduates.

The council is in talks about purchasing the land from the East Midlands Development Agency.

Some £2.7 million will come from the city council and £622,000 will come from the Government. The authority also plans to bid for £1.9 million of European funding.

Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby said the council had been in discussion with potential investors. Among the companies interested in the site is Coalville-based Zeeko, which manufacturers precision lens polishing machines for organisations including Nasa.

Sir Peter said: "This is a very exciting project and represents the strongest commitment by the council to support high technology businesses to invest in the city."

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce managing director Martin Traynor said: "It's very much a boost for the local economy."

See: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/pound-5m-innovation-centre-bring-150-jobs/story-12807493-detail/story.html

Image of development (from Leicester Mercury website):
http://i.thelocalpeople.co.uk/275788/Article/images/12807493/2964761.png

Well done council credit where credits due. Using tax payers money to purchase the land for high tech industries to create jobs for the future is what we expect from the council. When hopefully all the units are taken i would expect any cost from the tax payer to be paid back by buisness rates. Speculate to accumalate.

Any chance the council could spend on a multi-purpose sports complex in the city centre please?

Just think of all that lovely cash rolling in from an olympic sized swimming pool, concert arena, gym memberships, bars, restaurants, ten pin bowling, ice skating, conferences and exhibitions. Throw in a hotel as well, face the building onto the ring road and at last we will have something better than Granby Halls and St Margaret's Baths, which have never been replaced despite promises...

I'd wager that such a family complex would never suffer the financial problems that have or will beset the Curve and Phoenix Square.

Yes the coucil are duty bound to facilitate such a leisure development using the same priciples as the science park.

150 jobs for £5m doesn't sound like a very good return on the investment.

And what proportion will be new jobs and how many will be relocations from elsewhere in the county?

bahh humbug :lol: 5million drop in the ocean when you consider the money from business rates, profits for the owners and employees, wages spent locally, the prestige the environment.

Let the Mayor know asap of your ideas.

Image of development (from Leicester Mercury website):
http://i.thelocalpeople.co.uk/275788/Article/images/12807493/2964761.png

Nice idea, and i know these are early renders, but when are the council going to learn that half of the secret of success with these places, these days, is providing property that represents the idea of future technology - yet what is served up, some 80s box that looks like where you might go for genito-urinary test (probably).

If i owned a 'growing hi-tech business' i wouldn't want to be based in some anonymous little box on a identikit office development.

How they managed to get the space centre so right, and everything else so wrong, bewilders me.

but, anyway, nice to see some positive development.

Has anybody seen this? Leicester science park innovation centre. April 2012 date on it?

http://www.maber.co.uk/what-we-do/projects/commercial-industrial/leicester-science-park-innovation-centre

I assume it refers to the innovation units mentioned a few posts back. Renders look better than the Mercury ones.

From today's Mercury:
Science park's first firm 'set to move in by May'
Monday, July 04, 2011

Leicester Mercury

A hi-tech engineering firm says it will become the first occupant of a science park within 12 months.

Zeeko, which had originally hoped to be at Leicester Science Park this year, now wants to relocate from Coalville to the 20-acre site, off Abbey Lane, by May.

Bosses are due to sign a deal to buy a one-acre plot. This will allow the business to build a £2.2 million factory.

The firm makes machines which polish lenses for satellites and telescopes.
For full article see: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Science-park-s-firm-set/story-12877306-detail/story.html

Application for 'screening opinion' for a retail and office development:

http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20111296

As well as new research facilities and a new bridge over the river, a 'supermarket' is also mentioned. Why does my heart sink hearing that? :|

What's the likelihood of it beginning with a "T" :mad:



BG

From the Mercury:

Supermarket and offices plan could create 400 jobs

Follow.Plans are being drawn up for a £60 million office and supermarket scheme which could create 400 jobs.

Developers said the proposal for land off Abbey Lane, Leicester, would help kick-start the long-awaited science park.

The superstore and office complex would be built either side of the park, if the plans get the go ahead.

Roy Coley, managing director of developer Sowden Group, said the 72,000sq ft supermarket would be occupied by one of the leading chains.

He said the 15,000sq ft two-storey office site would act as an eye-catching landmark at the entrance to the park.

"This development will kick start the park after years of inertia," he said. Mr Coley said the supermarket, which would create 300 jobs, would raise the cash needed to pay for the office scheme.

He declined to name the supermarket group which would occupy it.

"It's needed because these days there are restrictions on finance as a result of the recession," he said.

"It makes the development financially viable."

Mr Coley said the construction work, to be carried out by Loughborough builder William Davis, would also create 250 short-term jobs.

He said the planning application, due to be submitted shortly, would include a proposal for a pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Soar, connecting Exploration Drive and Wolsey Island.

Martin Traynor, chief executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said he accepted the reasons why the supermarket had been proposed.

"I would encourage this type of mixed use development," he said.

"One has to recognise how long that whole area has been empty."

The science park – recently renamed the technology and innovation park – has been a decade in planning.

The six-acre plot is meant to attract hi-tech businesses from across the region and could create about 1,000 highly paid jobs.

Leicester City Council is planning to create a £5 million innovation centre at the park, which would house up to 60 workplaces for small companies and create up to 150 jobs by 2015.

Only one company, Zeeko, of Coalville, which makes machines which manufacture lenses for space satellites, has so far committed to the site.

Bosses said the move to a £2.2 million factory would allow it to take its workforce from 34 to 60.

We have come to this. A Science Park is only possible if we give in to a major supermarket chain for a bit of land...

Afraid so Lears, but at long last the council are begginning to think about the city as a place to make money and invoving the private sector ! After all that's what a city is for.

From the Mercury:

Claims that a proposed £60 million office and supermarket scheme could kick-start the long-awaited Leicester science park need to be thoroughly examined, the city's mayor says.

For full article see: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Science-park-site-claims-need-thorough-scrutiny/story-13120655-detail/story.html

Are we taking any bets for the supermarket to become a Tesco? I am sure that they are using this as a new tactic to get established. Get a developer in (with negotiations with several of the top supermarket chains), get approval and bugger me - it's a Tesco again.

This is a part of an article on the BBC website (News Magazine) - itself a part of a radio 4 broadcast -

"If you want a vision of the future, one excellent place to go is the National Space Centre in Leicester. Get the bus there and it will loop through a world of semi-detached houses and retail parks. Get off and walk past some grimy, decaying terraces, follow the signs through the huge surface car park and you find a bizarre, bubble-like structure.

Inside it, the remnants of the space age are left around as ornaments - a Soyuz spacecraft next to the refreshments and two rockets within the building's quasi-organic membrane. It has more than a few hints of what the future was meant to be like but this is a museum, a repository for artefacts from another age entirely. Walk out of it, turn left, and you come to a large piece of overgrown, weed-filled wasteland.

This is the site of the Leicester Science Park, where new things should be able to occur. A sign says "starting on site summer 2010". There is no sign of it a year later.

What there is, is a new housing development. Little detached boxes in cul-de-sacs, designed for two purposes - maximising car parking and maximising profit. Each house has a little neo-Georgian porch, what the developers call a "gob-on".

What you notice is the emptiness. Not just the huge empty wastes outside, but the empty-headedness of a society that has abandoned all hope that it could create something better than this bloody mess.

This is an edited version of Owen Hatherley's Four Thought broadcast."

Totally agree with the criticism and description of the "Science Park"...

Thats very negative ! Must have had a bad day. On a good day you can see the potential this area has. :)

It is a fair assessment of the failure so far to deliver a Science Park. The future is a new supermarket and a few small business units. That ain't no Science Park in my eyes...

I'm afraid to say it is true so far...

I don't see how the Science Park can attract anything but bad press.

It's thus far, a let-down.

It would be a great place for a government enterprise zone.

Allthough i do appreciate everyones concerns that it might end up just an average development. The nearby Abbey Park Road (old bus station road) has the excellent shoe box at one end and an impressive converted factory at the other. But the present plan is to build new crappy town houses in between when the hope was to front the road with apartments.

Yes Abbey Parks new developments could well be a let down !

Surely the difference in cost between town houses and apartments doesn't differ greatly?

This could be another freemans meadow as should the wickets, but the less said about Auschwitz the better.

Building town houses in my opinion is going to size down the city boundaries even further. Here is another new build estate on the edge of the city that will most probably be inhabited by the Asian community due to it's close proximity to both abbey lane and Belgrave thus making it an extension of a residential area and not a prestigious city centre extension for young professionals and a like. Not to insinuate the Asian community don't have young professionals but you get my drift.

i've said before, if you want to attract hi-tech companies, you have to offer a hi-tech environment...

it needs to be where the city pulses, these sorts of companies have a low average aged employee, they don't want to be stuck out in some suburb half way along some tedious bus route.

i think the single greatest failing of the whole regeneration of leicester has been the selection and allocation of locations. this is where housing should be built - the science park should have been on the any of the waste land near DMU/Kingpower stadium/Saffron lane sports centre ruins (where they could connect it to the ivanhoe line) or on the northgates corridor (seeing as the A50 could and should be one of the logical locations for any potential tram route)

i've said before, if you want to attract hi-tech companies, you have to offer a hi-tech environment...

it needs to be where the city pulses, these sorts of companies have a low average aged employee, they don't want to be stuck out in some suburb half way along some tedious bus route.

i think the single greatest failing of the whole regeneration of leicester has been the selection and allocation of locations. this is where housing should be built - the science park should have been on the any of the waste land near DMU/Kingpower stadium/Saffron lane sports centre ruins (where they could connect it to the ivanhoe line) or on the northgates corridor (seeing as the A50 could and should be one of the logical locations for any potential tram route)

Agreed

i've said before, if you want to attract hi-tech companies, you have to offer a hi-tech environment...

it needs to be where the city pulses, these sorts of companies have a low average aged employee, they don't want to be stuck out in some suburb half way along some tedious bus route.

i think the single greatest failing of the whole regeneration of leicester has been the selection and allocation of locations. this is where housing should be built - the science park should have been on the any of the waste land near DMU/Kingpower stadium/Saffron lane sports centre ruins (where they could connect it to the ivanhoe line) or on the northgates corridor (seeing as the A50 could and should be one of the logical locations for any potential tram route)

Been saying this myself. As well as the practical implications and obstacles for students and recent graduates accessing the current site, it is madness to build our high profile projects in quiet suburbs.

I think they wanted to compliment the Museum of Technology with the Space Centre, but imagine that building on the ring road! It would be a Leicester landmark, rather than hidden away. Yet another lost opportunity...

Then we could have developed a high-tec Science Park in the city centre, rather than next to Beaumont Leys...

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Chance-speak-city-s-science-park-plan/story-13230586-detail/story.html

Plans for a long-awaited £60million business park will go on display to the public this week.

Developers looking to build offices and a supermarket on land off Abbey Lane, Leicester, are hosting a public consultation at the nearby National Space Centre on Thursday.

​

The plans will be submitted by SDC Securities Ltd, a joint venture between Sowden Group Ltd and William Davis Ltd.

Peter Wilkinson, managing director of Landmark Planning Ltd, which is developing the proposals, said promoters and designers of the scheme would be on hand to answer questions.

He said: "As with any development of this scale there are a number of steps along the way.

"Applying for planning permission is a very big cost, a six-figure sum, and to apply for planning you've got to have a public exhibition."

It is hoped a planning application will be submitted by the end of September.

Mr Wilkinson added: "This is a very significant step down a long road towards fulfilling the dreams of a lot of people, to have a purpose-built science park in the centre of Leicester."

If given the go-ahead, the development would kick-start the area's long-awaited science park scheme – renamed the technology and innovation park. The site was designated as a hub for science-related companies about 10 years ago.

Sowden Group managing director Roy Coley said: "This development will kick start the park after years of inertia."

It is hoped the 15,000 sq ft, two-storey office site will house the first 100 of 1,000 "high quality" jobs to be created in the area over the next few years.

Martin Traynor, chief executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said developers needed to widen the range of businesses they were trying to bring to the area.

He said: "It needs to widen the brief to attract businesses which are research and development led, but not exclusively space or science related.

"This part of the city requires a mixed-use development or it would not be economically viable.

"The site has been vacant for 10 years and we now need to redouble our efforts to fill it."

The public consultation at the Space Centre, in Exploration Drive, runs from 2pm to 7.30pm on Thursday. People will be able to view the plans online at the website below from tomorrow, at:
http://www.landmarkplanning.co.uk/explorationdrive/


Get commenting guys. By the way - why don't they stop trying to kid us and have 1. Supermarket changed to 1. Tesco on the legend of the presentation.

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Mixed-response-park-plan/story-13253590-detail/story.html

Plans for a £60 million business park in a run-down area of the city were given mixed reviews at a public exhibition yesterday.

Developers want to build offices and a supermarket on land off Abbey Lane, Leicester.

If given the go-ahead, the development would kick-start the area's long-awaited science park scheme – which has since been renamed the technology and innovation park.

The site was designated as a hub for science-related companies about 10 years ago.

A steady flow of people went to the National Space Centre in Exploration Drive – which is on the edge of the development site – to view the plans.

Developers and planners say the proposed 35,000sq ft supermarket fronting Abbey Lane is the key which will unlock the long delayed science park.

A pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Soar to help open up the Wolsey Island, linking communities east and west of the river, is also planned.

Donna Jackman, of Egerton Avenue, said: "Clearly something needs to be done with the area. I welcome the fact that it now looks like something is going to happen.

"The supermarket will allow the developers to get money to pay for things like the science park and the bridge."

Yvonne Furnival, of Eileen Avenue, said: "I think it's going to be good for the area. I have to go to Beaumont Leys or Belgrave Road for a supermarket.

"When you don't drive, it's a long way. It will bring employment to the area."

Liz Garden, 59, of Abbeymead Road, off Abbey Lane, said: "We need this development, it's long overdue. The science park will be great for creating jobs and hopefully people around here will get some of them.

"There's never been a supermarket in this area and I don't think we need one, but maybe it's because a supermarket came on board that it's going to be done now."

Manoj Mandalia, 49, who lives in a new development in Discovery Road, said: "When we bought our house they told us it would be offices behind us, so I'm disappointed to see a supermarket in the plans."

Neighbour Gita Makwana, 49, said: "It is a concern having a supermarket planned there, with all the traffic it would bring."

Peter Wilkinson, managing director of Landmark Planning Ltd, which is developing the proposals, said: "It's true to say the supermarket will be the key to unlock the development of the wider area.

"On balance, I've been pleasantly surprised that most people seem to be positive."

Sowden Group managing director Roy Coley whose company is jointly developing the site with William Davis Ltd, said: "If there's no supermarket, there's no science park."

Questionnaires filled in at the exhibition will be considered before an application is submitted.

A little blog entry that is related to innovation within Leicester.

http://onlyinleicester.blogspot.com/2011/07/networking-innovation-and-why-we-all.html

We need to get this thread re-named now from Leicester Science Park to Leicester Technology and Innovation Park.

We need to get this thread re-named now from Leicester Science Park to Leicester Technology and Innovation Park.

Don't forget the key stakeholder. Tesco Park :lol:

Maybe we should just call it the Tesco Technology Park.

Could be ASDA

The ASDA Innovation Park

I would much prefer it to be an Asda. It's unlikely to be a Sainsbury's since unlike Tesco they don't tend to open stores within close proximity .. in some cases a few hundred yards :(



BG

Latest planning applications:

http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20111711

http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20111710

From today's Mercury:
Plans have been lodged which could kick-start the creation of the long-awaited Leicester science park and attract hundreds of jobs to the city.

Developers the Sowden Group have submitted proposals to build a business centre at the site, off Abbey Lane, as part of a £60 million project.

The scheme would include the creation of a major supermarket close to the park.

The two-storey, 15,000sq ft business centre would provide space for five firms, employing up to 150 people, while the 72,000sq ft superstore would create about 300 jobs.

Sowden Group managing director Roy Coley said an operator for the supermarket has been secured, but he declined to name the company.
For full article see: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Superstore-plan-kick-start-Leicester-science-park/story-13665995-detail/story.html

Render below is from the link shown above:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/images/localpeople/ugc-images/275788/Article/images/13665995/3280729.png

Bog standard.

Science Park to (maybe) employ half the number of people that a supermarket does.

So we are looking really at a Supermarket Park, with some token science units and a shed load of parking spaces...

Yes i can understand your dissapointment. I would hope that the first phase which includes the supermarket will if this initial site is a sucess lead to other nearby empty land being used to expand the science park.

Bog standard.

Science Park to (maybe) employ half the number of people that a supermarket does.

So we are looking really at a Supermarket Park, with some token science units and a shed load of parking spaces...

or the cattle market mk.II...

Funny you should mention the Cattle Market. That would have been the absolutely perfect location for the Science Park and the National Space Centre. Smack bang between the two universities...

Freemans Park was a dissapointment. There was talk of an ice rink. Freemans Park is however Ok and an obvious sucessful part of Leicester's pathetic leisure offering. But it should have been so much more !

These leisure opportunities can still be created if anyone bothers to. Or they can stick student accommodation. :(

Freemans Park was a dissapointment. There was talk of an ice rink. Freemans Park is however Ok and an obvious sucessful part of Leicester's pathetic leisure offering. But it should have been so much more !

You can apply that last sentence to pretty much every development in leicester these days.

Freemans park is a catastrophic waste of prime land, and the amount of carparking there emphasises the woeful public transport network in leicester.

New pedestrian and cycle bridge over River Soar:
http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20111710

Image from http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery:/Details.aspx?AppNo=20111710
http://i43.tinypic.com/t62usn.jpg

Wasn't there a different design after a competition for this? Or is this in a different location?

New pedestrian and cycle bridge over River Soar:
http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/Details.aspx?AppNo=20111710

Image from http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery:/Details.aspx?AppNo=20111710
http://i43.tinypic.com/t62usn.jpg

Wasn't there a different design after a competition for this? Or is this in a different location?

Very ordinary design for a Technology Park !

BORING. Can I also use the word CHEAP. Does not say a lot as far as I'm concerned as to the kind of developers we have here.

Perhaps the supermarket giant can employ a top architect in return for the bridge being named after the supermarket and with ample space for advertising.

NB Started off as a flipant comment but in this day and age it seems sadly a very viable option !

Images of innovation centre from Maber Associates: http://www.maber.co.uk/what-we-do/projects/commercial-industrial/leicester-science-park-innovation-centre

Images of innovation centre from Maber Associates: http://www.maber.co.uk/what-we-do/projects/commercial-industrial/leicester-science-park-innovation-centre

a little better than the prvious SP images, but not exactly 'innovative', it's a shame they can't incorporate some of the style and feel of the space centre into the design.

From Merc:

Plans aimed at kick-starting the development of a long-awaited science park are set to be approved next week.
Developers The Sowden Group and William Davis Ltd want to build a technology and innovation building on the science park site, off the city's Abbey Lane.
The idea of building the park was conceived more than 10 years ago in the hope it could create thousands of technology industry jobs, but so far not a single building has been constructed.
On Tuesday, Leicester City Council's development control committee will discuss the Sowden and William Davis project, which planning officers have recommended for approval.
The scheme also includes a new supermarket on land next to the science park site, which it is understood will be run by one of the UK's major retailers - Asda, Tesco, Morrisons or Sainsbury's.
More than 850 people have signed a petition objecting to the development because of concerns it could create traffic on nearby roads that are already busy.
There are also concerns a large new store could take trade away from nearby independent shops.
However, Sowden managing director Roy Coley says the scheme will create jobs and boost the economy in the long run.
Full article: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Science-park-gets-kick-start/story-15644392-detail/story.html

^^^^'More than 850 people have signed a petition objecting to the development because of concerns it could create traffic on nearby roads that are already busy.There are also concerns a large new store could take trade away from nearby independent shops'

Semper eaden !

850 nimbys and self interested small business people that dont except a city should be an ever changing organic organism otherwise it dies.

If you cant have developments like this on brown field city sites then you could argue you cant have them anywhere !

I hope it gets passed as quickly as possible and doesn't cost the tax payer in appeals and put business off coming to Leicester.

^^^^'More than 850 people have signed a petition objecting to the development because of concerns it could create traffic on nearby roads that are already busy.There are also concerns a large new store could take trade away from nearby independent shops'

Semper eaden !

850 nimbys and self interested small business people that dont except a city should be an ever changing organic organism otherwise it dies.

If you cant have developments like this on brown field city sites then you could argue you cant have them anywhere !

I hope it gets passed as quickly as possible and doesn't cost the tax payer in appeals and put business off coming to Leicester.

Again I agree with you WOTZDA POINT but what is most tragic about this is we are seemingly unable to build a science based enterprise zone without a bloody supermarket funding it!

A supermarket placed on an area which could have been a site for high tech industries. It's quite laughable. :|

The whole bloody project is a shambles, and I wouldn't mind seeing heads roll for the complete lack of ambition, motivation and professionalism with this so-called 'innovative science park'.

Bunch of monkeys.

From Merc:
Asda has been named as the company which plans to open a store close to the proposed Leicester science park.
Developers want to build the store alongside a technology and innovation centre on a six-acre site off Abbey Lane.
Leicester City Council's development control committee will discuss the £37 million scheme, which planning officers have recommended for approval, on Tuesday.
Full article: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Asda-planning-supermarket-Leicester-science-park/story-15667455-detail/story.html

At least it won't be Tesco. lol

Bad news. Just back from the Planning Committee meeting and the decision has been deferred until at least late May/June. The Labour local councillors asked for the deferment so they could consult local people! So what have they been doing for the last 6 months since the application was finally put in?. Also Sainsburys and Bowden have objected; Sainsbury because of the impact on their Belgrave Gate/Belgrave Road redevelopment and Bowden because of the impact on their possible retail use of part of the Corah site. Been waiting over 9 years now for the Science park and still nothing.

The Science Park! The East Midlands Second longest running farce!

Just typical that is! :mad:

Bad news. Just back from the Planning Committee meeting and the decision has been deferred until at least late May/June. The Labour local councillors asked for the deferment so they could consult local people! So what have they been doing for the last 6 months since the application was finally put in?. Also Sainsburys and Bowden have objected; Sainsbury because of the impact on their Belgrave Gate/Belgrave Road redevelopment and Bowden because of the impact on their possible retail use of part of the Corah site. Been waiting over 9 years now for the Science park and still nothing.

Cant please everyone, first in wins, no need for all these pathetic delays.

So Sainsbury's object because they are moving out and replacing their store with some beach huts and Bowden object, because they MIGHT have plans for retail at Corah's...

So the hold up isn't the Science Park. It is the supermarket element. Time to move the Space Centre and Museum of Tecnology to Freeman's Common. Then build a proper Science Park there...

Again..

The whole bloody project is a shambles, and I wouldn't mind seeing heads roll for the complete lack of ambition, motivation and professionalism with this so-called 'innovative science park'.

Bunch of monkeys.

The Science Park! The East Midlands Second longest running farce!

:lol:

There is an image of the 'comfirmed' Asda store in the Mercury paper, but not on the website - if anyone's interested.

Website link: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Asda-confirms-store-proposal/story-15864324-detail/story.html

I am.

Pleased it's not another bloody Thttp://www.bg101.com/smileys/censored.gifo even if the cat food is more expensive


BG

This is scheduled to come back to Planning on 13/06/12. No sign that the local councillors have made any attempt "to consult the local residents" since getting a decision postponed in April. If it is put back again the developers would have a very good case to appeal to the Secretary of State over the heads of the Council.

The Planning website now has this coming back to Planning on 21/06/12.

Another waiting game. :|

About the new Asda and ne Sainsburys:

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Supermarkets-Asda-Sainsbury-s-set-win-planning/story-16410709-detail/story.html

The Sainsbury's looks like it is made of wood? The ASDA looks like a leisure centre. The proposed retail units in Belgrave look like beach huts. The huge oval roundabout at Belgrave, will no doubt have some horrendous public art scheme eventually.

You just know the Belgrave proposals will end up looking horrific and cheap. The roundabout will still be a massive, traffic bound barrier between the Golden Mile and the city centre.

Do we not have professional architects in Leicester; i swear every render i've seen on this forum has looked like it was done by a freshman design student.... and that roundabout :/

Just going back to the supermarket article (didn't see it til now)....

The Sainsbury's one can be argued either way really but a quote I just saw was:

"BBA chairman Mahul Visram said: "We do not need more shops in this part of the city.

"It will harm the businesses that are already established."

Yes, Mr Visram, it probably will. But have you ever been in one of those shops? They're pretty much all being held up by the dirt within them! If they are forced to close due to lack of business it's by no means only Sainsburys' fault.

I hate that atitude - we have a business which has no competition so we therefore have the right to run it as poorly as we like.

If local shops are of high quality and offer a real service to the community, then it would be a shame for a large chain to take their customers and put them out of business.

I'm sure locals would continue to support good local businesses though. If it is just a corner shop that is grotty, plastered in international mobile phone adverts, selling fizzy drinks, cigarettes, newpapers, chocolate and no fresh produce - then what is the loss?

I thought it was supposed to be a Science Park!

As much as I hate the little corner shops, Asda will just kill the area and this is what makes Belgrave Road area different. Just another case of supermarkets killing off unique shops.

Any idea if Asda will open Curry and Gold Shops! :lol:

I thought it was supposed to be a Science Park!

As much as I hate the little corner shops, Asda will just kill the area and this is what makes Belgrave Road area different. Just another case of supermarkets killing off unique shops.

Any idea if Asda will open Curry and Gold Shops! :lol:

You forget that there already was and still is a Sainsburys on Belgrave Road.

If anything, they are losing a large supermarket for a smaller one. Surely this will help their business. The Asda will be further away and so if you do want anything small then you are more likely to go to a corner shop.

Decision postponed again. This time because Councillors voted to have a site visit! Yet the Sainsburys applications sailed through. Makes one wonder who runs Planning in Leicester, the Council or Sainsbury/Tesco.

Good news at last!!!!!

From Fridays Mercury:

Work on Leicester's much-anticipated science park could start in the autumn after councillors gave their backing to a multi-million pound retail scheme.

Members of the city council's planning committee voted unanimously to approve plans for an Asda food store and petrol station on a 7,000sq m site in Exploration Drive, off Abbey Lane.

​

The SDC Securities (Leicester) Ltd scheme will also include an innovation and technology building.

It will kick-start the council's proposed science park in Abbey Meadows, near to the National Space Centre, which will eventually boast a separate £5 million design and research workspace as its centrepiece.

The development will need the final approval of the Secretary of State.

Guy Higgins, director of Loughborough's SDC Securities, said: "We hope to begin work in the autumn and be open in about 18 months.

"We've been involved in the project since 2003 and are delighted the city council has given its approval to our plans so work can soon start."

Asda estimates its store will employ 325 staff, with a further 150 employed at the new innovation and technology building.

Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby said: "I very much welcome this investment, which will create new job opportunities and the chance to establish new businesses in the area.

"The scheme includes a major retail element, but also includes the provision of a new innovation and technology building and a footbridge over the River Soar."

Asda spokesman Phillip Bartram said: "We're looking forward to welcoming customers to our Abbey Lane store."

However, more than 850 people signed a petition opposing the new store, with planners receiving a further 40 objection letters.

Opponents argued it would worsen traffic congestion and air quality in the area and damage existing businesses.

Members of the council's planning committee visited the site before making their decision on Wednesday, with the applicant agreeing to several amendments.

Councillor Bill Shelton, who chaired the committee, said: "Opening times for the store and station were reduced from 24 hours to between 7am and 11pm, and a larger buffer zone, featuring fencing and trees, is now included between the site and neighbouring homes."

Resident Paul Mowbray, of Ariane Place, who spoke for residents at the meeting, said: "They have moved the store five metres away from the closest residents, which is not really much help – and ignored every other point about traffic, businesses and pollution."

Good, but a very watered-down version of the original plans. The science park seems of secondary importance to the store. :|

Latest image from Franklin Ellis architects:

http://www.franklinellis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Blog_LeicesterScience.jpg
Image source: http://www.franklinellis.co.uk/2012/07/leicester-science-park/

Website article:
Leicester City Councillors yesterday unanimously approved the proposals for a new Asda Superstore, Office building and pedestrian link bridge which will form the beginning of Leicester Science Park development. FEA have designed the new office development which will hopefully be a catalyst for future developments on the estate.

This image is more encouraging. :)

Well you cannot deny the image is comtemporary, they even have the seasonal rain puddles.....

Yeah lol.

So to confirm, The Science Parks only major customer is Asda - A grocery shop ?

So to confirm, The Science Parks only major customer is Asda - A grocery shop ?

It could do with a burger King then i'm sure all the new cutting edge industries will flood in :lol:

So to confirm, The Science Parks only major customer is Asda - A grocery shop ?

Zeeko, the currently Coalville based company, are signed up.

From LCC website:
Stamp of approval for Innovation Workspace plans

17/08/2012

PLANS for a new Innovation Workspace at a city technology park have been rubber stamped after a series of decisions by Leicester City Council to move forward with the proposals.

The proposals for Leicester's Innovation and Technology Park, off Abbey Lane, will create a major focal point for research, design and technology on an area of land which has stood empty for 10 years.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby has now announced a decision to acquire the land for the project from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), and to enter into a gap funding agreement with the HCA to help pay for the land.

In addition, the council will enter into an agreement with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to get grant funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to help with the costs of building the Innovation Workspace itself.
Full article: http://news.leicester.gov.uk/newsArchiveDetail.aspx?Id=1651

From LCC website:

LEICESTER’S local economy is set to receive a further boost as work gets underway on the construction of a new £5.9million innovation workspace.

Developed by Leicester City Council, the new Leicester Innovation Workspace will be built on an area of unused industrial land in Abbey Meadows, near to the National Space Centre. It will provide high quality offices and workspaces for up to 55 new businesses in the science, technology and knowledge sectors.

Once completed, the new centre is expected to help create around 150 new jobs by 2015. It is hoped that the project will help attract development and investment into a wider innovation and technology park planned for the site.

The project is funded by Leicester City Council, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Homes and Communities Agency.
Full article: http://news.leicester.gov.uk/newsArchiveDetail.aspx?Id=1812

Presumably this is the scheme?

http://www.maber.co.uk/what-we-do/projects/commercial-industrial/leicester-science-park-innovation-centre

It seems so yes.

The plans at Loughborough Science Park, make the Leicester project look laughable. That is because the Space Centre was built in the wrong place and the science spin-off from this lottery-funded attraction, was therefore never going to materialise. They should have gone for a site closer to Leicester University.


Major expansion could see 4,000 jobs at Loughborough University science park
Thursday, January 31, 2013
By Ian Griffin

Plans for a £200 million "business village" which could create 4,000 hi-tech jobs have been unveiled.

Loughborough University yesterday announced proposals for a major expansion of its science and enterprise park.

​Professor Steve Rothberg, Cllr David Slater and Cllr Nick Rushton with a map showing the planned extension of the Science and Technology park at Loughborough.

Professor Steve Rothberg, Cllr David Slater and Cllr Nick Rushton with a map showing the planned extension of the Science and Technology park at Loughborough.

It hopes to attract leading motor, sporting, engineering and pharmaceutical companies to the extended site, which will stretch westwards along the A512/Ashby Road.

The university aims to secure the funding it needs to create the extra space from both the private and public sector.

The county council and Charnwood Borough Council are set to provide £2 million towards the building of an innovation centre and a second building, which should be ready within two years as part of the first phase of the development.

The university hopes this would then kick-start further investment in the site.

Professor Steve Rothberg, pro vice-chancellor of Loughborough University, said the aim was for the expanded park to attract hi-tech companies from outside the area, as well as provide space for innovative businesses created by academics at the university.

"We are speaking to many companies about this," he said.

"We hope to attract inward investment."

Prof Rothberg said providing the extra space would make it easier for fast-growing firms created within the university to stay local.

The science park already houses dozens of businesses, employing 2,000 people.

The first phase of the expansion, which would take in 19.2 acres, should be complete within 10 years. The 54-acre second phase has a timescale of 15 to 25 years.

Councillor David Slater, leader of Tory-run Charnwood Borough Council, said the plans were a major boost for Loughborough's economy.

"This is probably the greatest news story I've been part of in 12 years as a councillor," he said. "This is good news for the people of the borough because it creates 4,000 jobs, but there will also be other jobs in service and supply businesses.

"Because of the economic uplift this will bring, people will be able to spend more at shops and restaurants."

Max Hunt, leader of Leicestershire County Council's opposition Labour group, represents the area covered by the university.

He said the near-empty 69-acre AstraZeneca site to the north of Loughborough would be competing with the park to attract hi-tech businesses.

"Expansion of the science park would be positive, but it needs to be backed up with a deliverable business plan," he said. "Bringing employment back to the AstraZeneca site would be my priority."

Phase one of the science park expansion has outline planning consent. Phase two is subject to planning permission.


The Loughborough University site

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEQQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.loughboroughsciencepark.co.uk%2Fdevelopment-opportunities&ei=uFQKUezMGa-W0QWJsICwAw&usg=AFQjCNGUK6_h6a1DQd8wy7o3twefOm7wnA&bvm=bv.41642243,d.d2k

Good news for Leicestershire and the region though. Hopefully HS2 won't scupper Roxhill's 7,000 jobs up the road...

The Loughborough University Science Park could end up being around 188,000 sqm, or over 2 million sq ft...

The Leicester Science park aims to provide 32,000 sq ft of space !!!

From the Mercury today:
150 hi-tech jobs could be created at Leicester centre

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
By Helen Kitchener

The developers behind an innovation centre being built on the city's outskirts say they are confident of attracting high-profile businesses to the site.
The 15,000sq ft development is costing £2.3 million to construct on land off Abbey Lane, overlooking the National Space Centre.
​
ceremonial sod turning: Site manager Neil Marson, Sir Peter Soulsby and GF Tomlinson commercial director Paul Fish
Developers Sowden Group, of Leicester, have said 150 jobs could be created at the centre, including highly-skilled positions for graduates and trainees, after it opens in the autumn.
The centre will offer open plan office space designed to for hi-tech firms.

Last week, city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby visited the site for a ceremonial turning of the sod.
Roy Coley, managing director of the Sowden Group, said: "It covers two floors and could split into two separate areas or four.
"We are focusing it on hi-tech businesses and people associated with research and development.
"We have had a fair amount of interest with four or five different agents looking at it.
"I'm confident we will get some good-quality businesses in because we have the kind of car parking you would get at an out-of-town industrial park, but we are in the centre."
The Business Innovation centre is on land designated for Leicester Science Park.
Already under construction close by is Leicester City Council's £5.9 million Innovation Workspace, aimed at fledgling science and technology companies, and plans have been approved for an Asda supermarket, which will also be developed by the Sowden Group.
Mr Coley said the council's project and his own would not conflict with each other.
He said: "We have been talking to their people and from a science park point of view these projects can all feed off each other. Ours is for a few more established businesses, whereas the council's project is designed to accommodate lots of start-up businesses.
"By the time the centre opens, the council's centre will be finished and hopefully the supermarket, too. The approach now is very much 'let's get the thing up and running'."
The centre, road access and a pedestrian bridge across the canal is being built by GF Tomlinson and William Davis.
Paul Fish, director of GF Tomlinson, said: "GF Tomlinson is delighted to have taken on this project.
"It is a great opportunity to be able to create an environment where businesses can establish themselves and develop to support the local economy of the city."
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "We are committed to developing Leicester Innovation and Technology Park at Abbey Meadows.
"I wish the project every success."


Read more: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/150-hi-tech-jobs-created-Leicester-centre/story-18789362-detail/story.html#ixzz2RPXixdQi
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