Science hub to be the spark for growth

WALES’ first dedicated science park has been officially opened.

Menai Science Park (M-SParc) brings together businesses from the ICT, science and research sectors, encouraging knowledgesharing and a creative, supportive environment to help businesses grow.

As part of Bangor University, M-SParc bridges the gap between cutting-edge academic research and businesses. The park’s 30-year vision is based on creating highly skilled jobs for local people, developing a knowledgesharing environment and creating an economic hub in sectors such as low-carbon, energy and environment and ICT.

The three-storey, 5,000 sq m science park, constructed to BREEAM Excellence standards, hosts a state-of-the-art laboratory, office and workshop space, and meeting rooms – as well as a cafe where employees from across the science park and students from Bangor University can meet to share knowledge and ideas.

Officially opening the Menai Science Park, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “This cutting-edge science park, supported with £20m of Welsh Government and European funding, is an excellent example of collaboration between Welsh Government and Bangor University – working together to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth.

“It is great to see local businesses and companies from further afield choosing M-SParc as their business base.”

The First Minister added: “It is a facility that is full of energy and innovation, supported by an enthusiastic team who work with tenants to help their businesses grow.

“The science park offers a unique mix of business support, commercial expertise and academic support. I look forward to this successful combination continuing to bring more top companies and well-paid jobs to north Wales.”

M-SParc managing director Pryderi ap Rhisiart said: “We want to attract the brightest and the best from the region – that’s what M-SParc is all about.

“At the moment, Wales loses companies who outgrow their facilities and have to go across the border to relocate. M-SParc aims to stop this.

“Many of the businesses are local, but we also have some inward investment and some new companies who are establishing themselves on M-SParc.”