SCIENCE PARK
£20m project is go
WORK has officially started on a £20m science park that’s set to create up to 700 new jobs in the region.
This ambitious M-SParc development on Anglesey, which is set to open its doors in 2017-18, secured £10.8 million investment from the Welsh Government and a further £10.2 million of European Regional Development Funding to provide office and laboratory facilities and provide an economic shot in the arm for the region.
The Economy Minister, Ken Skates, was on hand for the turf cutting ceremony on the outskirts of Gaerwen on Monday morning.
Emphasising the economic benefits of the project for North Wales as a whole, he said: “It’s great to see the progress being made at the Menai Science Park, which is being supported by over £20m of Welsh Government and EU funding.
“Once up and running, the Science Park will offer huge benefits to the region. I’m confident that its focus on low carbon and renewable energy sectors will complement the work being undertaken by the Energy Island Initiative and the Anglesey Enterprise Zone and will help local businesses more widely to create jobs and achieve sustainable economic growth.”
Anthony Dillon, Managing Director of the contractors, Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd, added: “We’re pleased to begin construction on the building that will house up to 300 people.
“In addition we will be providing community benefits during the construction, including internships, apprenticeships, and workshops for local supply chain and people who want to develop their skills in the industry. This project is a first for Wales, and should have a positive impact for generations to come.”
The park’s Executive Director, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said “It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and we’re pleased to see the work beginning on site.
“Behind the scenes, work has been ongoing to secure tenants, and we already have a number of companies signed up as Virtual Tenants.
“We are also working closely with potential anchor tenants who we hope to attract to the Park. We are proud to be offering a range of business support services to these companies, most of who are already based in the region, and can state that the demand is there for a Science Park in the region.”
Later this month, science park bosses will hold an “introduction to Building Information Modeling” session to give local firms more information on how to apply for potential work. It will be held on November 16 in Bangor. For more details, visit www.m-sparc.com