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Economic prosperity in South Hampshire is
set to receive a major boost with news that Hampshire County Council has
accepted an offer from Southampton Science Park to extend its
developable land by a further six acres.
Under the agreement the Park, which is
owned by the University of Southampton, will lease adjoining land at
Kennels Farm. The new land will enable the Park to provide science and
technology-based businesses with approximately 10,000 sq m of
accommodation in the years ahead.
The agreement represents a major step
forward for the Park which already enjoys a national and international
reputation as a home to world class technology-based businesses and
emerging enterprises.
The 30 acre Southampton Science Park is
already home to international businesses such as Merck and is also at
the centre of the Southampton Enterprise Hub set up by the South East
England Development Agency (SEEDA).
Hampshire County Council Leader,
Councillor Ken Thornber commented "The County Council`s Asset Management
Sub-Committee approved the leasehold sale to the University after
carefully considering the environmental and economic factors affecting
the proposals for which planning consent has already been granted by
Test Valley Borough Council. As a requirement of any development of the
site, contributions will be made towards a cycleway between North
Baddesley and Southampton, providing a bus service to the Science Park
from the University and making major highway improvements to the main
access to the Park from the A27."
"This is an exciting opportunity for the
local and regional economy to build on the outstanding success of
Southampton Science Park over recent years," commented Dr Don Fox, the
Park's Chief Executive.
"No immediate building work is planned,
but what this opportunity does is to create the potential for more
businesses to benefit from the strong links with the University of
Southampton in an environment conducive to success. We are grateful for
Hampshire County Council's forward looking policy of encouraging
knowledge-based businesses- for these will be the foundation of economic
prosperity in the future.
"Whatever the future development,
uppermost in our minds will be the needs of the local community," said
Dr Fox. "We will ensure that any new development is fully consistent
with the principles of sustainability." |
