£5m innovation centre could bring 150 jobs
A £5 million innovation centre could create about 150 jobs.
The city council yesterday announced plans to buy land at Leicester Science Park, off Abbey Lane, in the city, and build a centre which would support new and growing hi-tech businesses.
-
An artist's impression of how the Abbey Meadows science park could look
The centre, which could open by spring 2013, would house up to 60 work spaces for small companies specialising in advanced manufacturing, environmental and low-carbon technology.
It is estimated 150 jobs could be created at the centre by 2015, including highly skilled positions for graduates.
The council is in talks about purchasing the land from the East Midlands Development Agency.
Some £2.7 million will come from the city council and £622,000 will come from the Government. The authority also plans to bid for £1.9 million of European funding.
Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby said the council had been in discussion with potential investors. Among the companies interested in the site is Coalville-based Zeeko, which manufacturers precision lens polishing machines for organisations including Nasa.
Sir Peter said: "This is a very exciting project and represents the strongest commitment by the council to support high technology businesses to invest in the city."
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce managing director Martin Traynor said: "It's very much a boost for the local economy."
4 Comments
by Graham_LE8
Wednesday, June 22 2011, 3:48PM
“Innovative ideas are not something Britain has been short of in the past - what has been in short supply is the financial backing to develop them, and a marketing philosophy that takes those ideas and sells them...
I remember an interview many years ago by the chairman of Sony, who said that Britain does not value it's engineers enough; I do not suspect things have changed greatly now - and with the banks being frugal in investment at present, I can't see the situation changing for the better in the near future either...
This development is welcome, but it's going to take a lot more than a few new buildings to bring prosperity.”
by Alleee
Wednesday, June 22 2011, 12:40PM
“I thought that this land was meant to be a science park, which failed to take off. Now it is to be an innovation centre, which is exactly the same as a science park.”
by CGLee
Tuesday, June 21 2011, 10:54AM
“Well said, Eastonian. This is a very important development. One thing that we are good at in this country is technological innovation. It may only be a relatively small centre, but, as they say, "Out of little acorns large oak trees grow".”
by Eastonian
Tuesday, June 21 2011, 10:41AM
“Another 'Good News' story that has failed to reach the front page!!
Instead we have to endured more murder, stabbings and killings. Sensationalism sells newspapers, they say, what about a different tack?”