Chief of Bangor science park project steps down

THE chief executive of a major science park project in north Wales is to stand down.

Former Welsh Government minister Ieuan Wyn Jones will step down at the helm of the M-SParc project in Bangor next spring, but will remain as a director.

The science park was established in 2013 after securing a £10m Welsh Government investment. Mr Jones led the project through its development phase and secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund, bringing the total investment to £21.8m.

Mr Jones said: “I always said that I would lead the project through its development phase, and that is now all but complete. We have delivered the funding, the site at Gaerwen and the construction of the first building. The project is on time and within budget.

“Having a building is important but what is even more important is having innovative businesses to occupy the space, invest in new products and create quality jobs.

“I’m delighted that we have beat our initial target of early tenants by some margin, with a third of the building occupied from day one.

“That is a remarkable achievement and it due to the hard work of a dedicated team of staff working tirelessly to see the building finished and working with potential tenants over a long period.

“Given that we are now moving to the operational side of things, it is right that I hand over the reins to someone to take the project through to its next phase. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the project and working with colleagues in Bangor University.

“We must capitalise on the excellent research carried out in the university in a range of disciplines and bring the private sector and academia closer together. I want to see the economy of north-west Wales grow and new jobs created, and the science park will play a key role in realising that ambition.

“By remaining as a director of the science park company, I will continue to work on a number of key projects, albeit in a more limited role.”