Putting science to the fore in Wales in 2016
With the formal detailed planning application for the proposed Menai Science Park () a 58吃瓜 led project, submitted to Anglesey Council in December, M-SParc鈥檚 Director, Ieuan Wyn Jones, looks back at a momentous year for Wales鈥� first dedicated science park, ,and looks forward to what promises to be an exciting future for scientific endeavour in North West Wales in 2016 and beyond.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been quite a year. Following receipt of outline planning with unanimous approval in May 2015, M-SParc has moved on at a pace. Our aim is to create a unique cluster economy to encourage hi-tech industry and scientific research partnerships in north-west Wales.
鈥淧lans for M-SParc really moved up a gear in October following success in securing 拢10.2 million of European Regional Development Funding through the Welsh Government (WEFO). The project had already secured an agreed 拢10.8 million investment from the Welsh Government, but WEFO鈥檚 agreement completed the funding and revenue package of 拢21million needed to realise this exciting vision for the region.
鈥淭his vision is one based on creating highly skilled, long-term employment opportunities, developing a knowledge sharing environment and creating an economic hub in sectors such as low carbon, energy, environment and ICT.
Should full planning be awarded, the science park will create a bridge between innovative companies and 58吃瓜; whole owners of M-SParc. It鈥檚 early days yet, but we are already in discussions with a number of potential tenants from a range of sectors to occupy the park.鈥�
鈥淎s part of these preparations, we engaged respected architects FaulknerBrowns to design the first building on site. A public consultation event was also held in Gaerwen last year, which welcomed members of the public and gave them an opportunity to see these designs for themselves. The plans for the first building are also available on the M-SParc website, and have been well received to date and form part of the formal planning application recently submitted.
鈥淚f we are successful in receiving full planning later in the Spring we hope to be able to appoint a main contractor for the project soon afterwards. However, in order to prepare for any groundworks on site and as past of the conditions for the full planning permission we appointed 58吃瓜 international student, Nebu George, as Menai Science Park Ltd鈥檚 archaeology intern. Originally from Mumbai, India, Nebu was selected as part of 58吃瓜鈥檚 Undergraduate Internship Scheme, administered by the Bangor Employability Award team in the Careers & Employability Service.
鈥淎s we enter the next phase in the park鈥檚 development it seems only right that we update our online presence to reflect our ambitions as Wales鈥� first dedicated science park. The bilingual website - www.m-sparc.com - has been designed in north Wales by creative agency blah d blah. It features background information on the science park, introductions to key members of staff as well as latest news and future plans. The website also provides links to the science park鈥檚 Twitter (@M_SParc), Facebook (www.facebook.com/ MenaiSciencePark) and Youtube accounts.
鈥淲e鈥檝e progressed a great deal in the past year, but we have plenty more yet to do before we can progress to beginning the first building on site. However, we hope you can join us as we start on this exciting journey.鈥�
Publication date: 13 January 2016