Bristol and Bath Science Park Inspires New Generation
Bristol and Bath Science Park was opened last September, 25 years after its original conception. The £300m development is located at Emerson’s Green near Bristol and will provide up to 6000 jobs. This new hub for hi-tech firms offers office space and laboratory facilities enabling laboratory ideas to reach the market place. The Park will provide a flexible platform for collaboration between industry and academia.
Small companies of up to 15 employees are catered for by the Innovation Centre; flexible office space and conference facilities are available, as well as support to find the right advisors, partners and funding. Larger companies of up to about 40 employees are housed in the Grow-On building; flexible terms and support are on offer here too.
The Universities of Bristol, Bath and West of England are the main stakeholders. The project design, development and management was undertaken by the joint venture Quantum Property Partnership. The building creating the heart of the Park is The Forum, this building is open to the public and provides a social environment for eating and meeting, and is visible form the access roads. The design features eye-catching floor to roof glass and art by renowned Bristol based artist Luke Jerram.
Solar panels have been installed on an area of the the roof that cover the size of half a tennis court. This green measure will save approximately £2,400 on fuel bills as well reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The sustainable credentials are reinforced by the use of a solar thermal hot water system and a biomass boiler using wood-chips that are sourced locally.
Rt Hon Vince Cable officially opened the National Composities Centre in November last year – its aim is to develop methods for rapid manufacture of high value composite products by bringing together academics and business. Formumetrics – a scientific consultancy, BPE Solicitors, Science City Bristol and YFM Equity Partners were amongst the first companies to take advantage of the brand new offices, seeing the benefits of commercial interaction and an impressive, well designed ‘shop window’.