October 16, 2018
Construction has today started on Harlow Science Park, a 27 acre office and research development located within the Harlow Enterprise Zone, Essex. When completed the new development will provide more than 400,000 sq ft of space in which businesses can interact, innovate and grow in a cutting-edge collaborative environment. The first phase of construction will deliver two buildings with a combined space of 45,000 sq ft, due to be completed by end of 2019.
One building is a Business Innovation Centre, acquired by Anglia Ruskin University and part-funded by Essex County Council, and the other is an office complex owned by Harlow Council for growth businesses in the technology sector.
The Harlow Science Park will create a new, forward thinking hub for businesses focused on all areas of science, technology, research and innovation. Its location serves to complement and build upon the already extensive life science and medical technology cluster in the London Stansted Cambridge Corridor. Designed as an attractive campus style environment, it will establish and incubate a collaborative, science-technology led community.
The development is being undertaken by VINCI UK Developments, as part of a consortium with Wrenbridge. McLaughlin & Harvey, the UK & Ireland building contractor, are undertaking the construction.
John Keddie, Chairman of Harlow Enterprise Zone Board, commented: “This is a major milestone in the development of the Harlow Enterprise Zone. Following the successes at Kao Park, the Harlow Science Park is now underway. With the infrastructure completed earlier this year we are delighted to have started work on these first two buildings and, with many positive discussions under way, we fully expect more buildings to commence in 2019 bringing new businesses and jobs to Harlow.”
Iain Martin, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, said: “ARU is a key part of our region’s education and innovation ecosystem. Building on our past success with the MedBIC innovation and incubator space in Chelmsford, this new facility will help grow new businesses and industries in Harlow and in the wider region. We are very pleased to be partnering with Essex County Council and Harlow Council in this project.”
Bruno Dupety, CEO VINCI UK, said: “This is a pivotal moment in the development of Harlow Science Park and is testament to the effective collaboration between all of the parties involved. We look forward to continuing our strong and fruitful relationship with Harlow Council and Harlow Enterprise Zone, as we develop a vibrant hub for businesses to thrive and people to meet, form partnerships and exchange ideas; and ultimately helping bring further economic prosperity to the area.”
McLaughlin & Harvey’s Construction Director, David Larmour, commented: “McLaughlin & Harvey is pleased to be part of the construction of two new offices within Harlow Science Park. To be awarded this prestigious contract is testament to the reputation we’ve built up for delivering high-quality commercial developments.“
