Harwell: Public-private deal to create 5,000 jobs

Oxfordshire received a major boost with the announcement of a public-private partnership that will see Harwell Science and Innovation Campus develop into one of the world’s principal locations for scientific, academic and business collaboration.

Science and innovation minister Ian Pearson confirmed the Government’s support for the new public-private partnership comprising the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and international property group Goodman. The partnership will run the Oxfordshire campus in a 50:50 joint venture.

Under the agreement, UKAEA will provide land at Harwell for development and an existing business base. STFC will contribute involvement in major public sector science programmes and a proactive approach to ensuring fundamental research can be harnessed and exploited by innovators, entrepreneurs and industry. Goodman will offer market access to global businesses and expertise in long-term property ownership, development and management, as well as providing working capital for the JV.

Investment at the campus will encompass fundamental scientific research and the development of property, facilities and local infrastructure. A minimum of 100,000 sq m of laboratory, high technology industrial and office accommodation will be developed in the first 20 year phase of the project. Up to 5,000 high value knowledge-based jobs are expected to be created, along with an increase in training opportunities in the area.

The vision for the campus was originally set out in 2006 by former Science Minister Lord Sainsbury. It forms a key part of the Government’s 10-year UK Science and Innovation Investment Framework of which Oxfordshire has become a key part. The joint venture approach will enable it to benefit from public sector access to global scientific communities, research programmes and facilities, alongside Goodman’s commercial expertise.

Commenting on the joint venture, Pearson said: “The Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is already home to some of the world’s most prestigious research facilities, including ISIS and the Diamond Light Source. This joint venture will see Harwell continue to build on its 60 year history and further strengthen its position as a renowned base for world-class research infrastructure and innovative businesses, in the future. This is an ambitious project, but the joint venture has the potential to make Harwell the UK equivalent of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in terms of size and scope, it’s an exciting prospect.”

Jim Johnston, managing director of UK Business Parks at Goodman said: “Goodman is a leader in the development and management of business and science space, and has an excellent track record of fostering collaboration between businesses, research organisations and universities. We are excited about helping Harwell Science and Innovation Campus become an open and interactive community, with a global reputation for science and innovation excellence.”

Speaking on behalf of the UKAEA, CEO Norman Harrison said: “Developing the campus over the years has been both challenging and rewarding. This joint venture will help to unlock Harwell’s full potential over the coming years, putting Oxfordshire at the very forefront of global science and innovation.”

Professor Keith Mason, STFC chief executive, said: “The investment being made by the joint venture partners into developing Harwell Science and Innovation Campus will have a significant and positive influence on science and technology in Oxfordshire and the UK. This model of scientific, academic and business collaboration, also implemented at Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus in Cheshire, will help demonstrate the impact that investment in science-related sectors can have on the national economy.”

Minister for Energy Malcolm Wicks said: "Harwell's historic site is now being decommissioned by the UKAEA and transformed to play an equally significant role in supporting the future of science and innovation in the UK."