Science Centre Opens to First Tenants

Science Centre Opens to First Tenants

The University of Wolverhampton’s new Science Centre has welcomed the first three businesses into its specialist space for science, technology and engineering. Completed late last year the £10.1m centre, located at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, offers category 1 and 2 laboratory facilities over 4,000 square meters, high quality workshop space and office accommodation. Its aim is to provide facilities particularly for the life Science, aerospace, automotive and building technology sectors.

One of the new tenants Crestwood Environmental which moved from the University’s Rosalind Franklin Building, took up lab space to continue development of a joint research project which it is now developing commercially. The company provides services for land developers and those running large infrastructure projects to help them identify the presence of protected species like great crested newts and water voles. Kits have been developed for field ecologists to take water samples on site and bring them back to the lab for DNA testing.

Managing Director Sid Lambert said: “We knew the centre was being built and it was always our plan to take up space here, particularly following the research project we’d undertaken alongside the University.

“The facility is modern and purpose built and got everything we need plus it’s in a great location. It will also allow us to expand into more space as we hopefully grow as a company.”

University of Wolverhampton Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Oakes, said: “We’re delighted with the development, to be expanding the offer of the Science Park and to be investing into the city.

“It very much mirrors our investment in science, technology and engineering with the aim of producing highly qualified people with STEM-related skills to help the types of businesses which will move into the new Science Centre to prosper and in turn, drive the regional economy.”

A fourth tenant is already lined up for the centre and a number of prospective new tenants are in talks about taking up space.

Nigel Babb, University of Wolverhampton Science Park Director, said: “The new centre offers unrivalled specialist space to scientific-based businesses wanting to develop and enhance their research and development activities. But we are also able to offer access into the University and its world leading research, as well as a talented pool of students and graduates.”

The project was funded through a £4.8m grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3m coming from the University. More information on www.sciencetechcentre.co.uk.