Sci-Tech Daresbury has announced the next phase of its growth, with the Project Violet development that will comprise 42,000 sq ft of grade A office and innovation space for science and tech businesses.
The project will encompass two buildings providing 12,000 sq ft each and one of 18,000 sq ft. The development will cost £15m and is funded using the Enterprise Zone retained business rates and investment from the Sci-Tech Daresbury joint-venture, with Willmott Dixon as lead contractor.
Cornerstone funding is provided by the Chrysalis Fund and the LCR Urban Development Fund, which funds development, regeneration and sustainability projects in the Liverpool City Region, supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
Designed by Seven Architecture, the new complex is situated at the gateway of the campus next to Keckwick Lane and Innovation Way.
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “World-class science and innovation are at the heart of our city region’s economy and will only become more important as we build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sci-Tech Daresbury is a hugely important part of the city region’s scientific and technological infrastructure which is why, as a Combined Authority, we are investing in its development, which this announcement brings a step closer.”
John Downes, Chairman of Sci-Tech Daresbury, added: “This appointment marks a key milestone in the development of Sci-Tech Daresbury, and reflects our confidence in both the future of innovative businesses in our region the ongoing need for high quality office space.
“Project Violet will allow us to further deliver our ‘Home for Life’ concept for a new generation of high growth firms at Sci-Tech Daresbury. Tenants join us in different stages of maturity, but the range of facilities and business support services on offer means we’re able to guide them through each step of their journey, from hot desk or hot lab to eventually having their own building on site.
“We’re now home to over 140 companies, including international firms such as IBM Research, and well-known UK businesses looking to establish a strategic Northern base.
“The importance of such businesses will become only more crucial in the fightback from Covid-19, both in developing the products and solutions that will improve the world around us and through the economic boost their activity can bring to our region.
“It’s been deeply encouraging to see several businesses increase their growth during this period as they deploy their expertise to accelerate products that will help support various needs brought about as a result of the pandemic. Project Violet will be the perfect location for such businesses to flourish, and we’re hugely excited about work starting on site shortly.”
