Culham: UK Atomic Energy Authority appoints Carter Jonas to provide property services

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), which carries out fusion research in the UK on behalf of the Government and manages the JET fusion project on behalf of the EU, has appointed Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy, on the CCS Framework RM928 Estates Professional Services to provide: strategic property advice, asset management, building surveying, rating, valuation, acquisitions and disposals, lettings and development advice.

Culham Science Centre combines world-class publicly-funded research into fusion power which, with commercial technology organisations and the Culham Innovation Centre, creates a powerhouse of high-technology innovation and enterprise in South Oxfordshire. The 80-hectare site is located within the green belt yet is easily accessible through excellent road and rail infrastructure. UKAEA also owns land at the Harwell-Oxford campus and is committed to further developing these two thriving science, technology and business centres.

Mike Hurp, property manager at UKAEA, said: “Culham Science Centre is sited in one of the most successful science locations in the country and is a partner in Science Vale UK, along with other public and private sector organisations in the area, to promote southern Oxfordshire as a global hot spot for enterprise and innovation in science, high technology and the application of knowledge. Our early priorities are to work with Carter Jonas in the development of the next stage of our property strategy covering a detailed assessment of the existing stock and new development opportunities at Culham.”

Scott Harkness, head of commercial who is based in Carter Jonas’ Oxford office, said: “Culham Science Centre benefits from a range of amenities and facilities that have helped establish it as a science and technology location over recent years attracting businesses to a significant amount of space and R&D accommodation. As a major employment site providing some 2,000 jobs and supporting a business community of over 40 public and private sector organisations, we will deliver expert property advice to further promote Culham Science Centre as a nationally-recognised science and technology location, building on its rich heritage and helping it in its next growth phase.”