Aim
To unlock brownfield sites and enable the development of new business space
The Headlines
- Investment: £5m
- Project Sponsors: Leicester City Council
- Start date: January 2017
- Status: Complete
“By preparing these sites for development, we can support the University of Leicester’s proposals for a space park and encourage economic growth by attracting businesses in the space and satellite technology sector to the area.”
– Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor
This project will provide major infrastructure and services to unlock brownfield sites, adjacent to the National Space Centre and existing high-tech business space at Pioneer Park. The works will create the environment for a high-quality science park including incubator space and move on facilities, focused on the space industry.
As part of the scheme the former John Ellis site is being cleared and prepared for development by addressing flood risk and drainage issues, creating new access to the site and providing essential utilities. Better connections will be created for pedestrians and cyclists between the site, the National Space Centre and the Abbey Pumping Station, while enhancing the public realm.
The project will provide flexible collaborative space bringing together businesses, addressing skill development and training needs to underpin the growth of Space enabled businesses, and catalyse the formation of a ‘Space enabled’ cluster in the Midlands.
The first phase of Space Park Leicester is already under way on the site with the development of a 4800m2 state-of-the-art, high-tech facility, also part funded by LGF.
Project Outcomes
- New or improved footway – 1km
- Reclaimed or redeveloped land – 5ha
- Public realm/ecology/wildlife benefits –1ha