Jodrell Bank growth set to bring 80 jobs
PLANS to expand an international science project at the Jodrell Bank Observatory and create up to 80 new jobs have been given the go ahead.
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) already operates from the world’s third largest steerable radio telescope at Jodrell Bank, near Macclesfield.
Now SKA has been given the green light to expand research and office space at the observatory after proposals were approved by Cheshire East Council’s planning committee.
This means up to 80 news jobs – from scien- tists and engineers to administration and ground staff – could be created.
Mathieu Isidro, deputy communications manager for the project who lives in Macclesfield, said it’s great news for residents.
He said: “Over the next few years we will be recruiting some 80 new staff from all over the world including the UK; scientists, engineers, policy makers and administrative/support staff to help us deliver the project.”
He added that while about 35 per cent of the workforce will be British, the expansion could result in a £3m contribution to the community.
He said: “It will be a huge benefit to the local area.
“Having a company like this in the area means that we invest in all kinds of local services such as transport, hospitality, catering. The fact that we have expanded will mean our investment is bigger.
“Last year we spent £500,000 in the local area. Obviously with more staff and more services required, that figure will increase.”
Bosses at SKA say the new development is an important milestone in the scientific research carried out at the historic site.
The new high tech single-storey research and administration building – which could cater for up to 135 full time staff – will be erected between the existing SKA offices and the Jodrell Bank Observatory buildings.
It will house a dual purpose council chamber that will double up as an auditorium for science conferences and public lectures.
Early work is due to start in December 2016 with construction expected to last around 12 months.
The new building has been funded by the government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the University of Manchester, with contributions from Cheshire East Council.