Science Parks
Case study: University of Southampton Science Park
The University of Southampton Science Park aims to be one of the UK’s top university-linked science and innovation campuses. It focuses on developing its scientific ethos and nurturing high quality technology businesses from start-up to maturity.
Set in 45 acres of attractively landscaped surroundings, the Science Park’s high quality office and laboratory space hosts a vibrant and high-tech entrepreneurial community. Business support is available to early-stage and growing businesses through initiatives such as the Catalyst Centre and SETsquared. Companies can also benefit from access to some of the UK’s leading scientific expertise at the University of Southampton.
Southampton Science Park recently reaffirmed its continued
investment in innovation in the Solent region by refurbishing 1 Venture Road, now re-branded as the Science Centre.
The Science Centre has been designed with small, early stage scientific businesses in mind, providing flexible ‘pay-as-you-go’ lab space to companies which need to accommodate small numbers of technical staff in their own self-contained facilities.
It has a wide choice of laboratory space available for
prospective tenants and facilities suitable for chemistry, biology or electronic applications. In fact, careful planning has resulted in a space that covers every possible requirement for a small scientific business, including secure gas storage, a climate-controlled storage facility, emergency power back-up and a loading bay allowing tenants to have equipment delivered straight to their door.
Expert property consultancy Vail Williams has been sole property advisor for the University
of Southampton Science Centre for 30 years – since 1984 when the park was first developed with the property development and investment firm, MEPC.
In 2012, the opportunity arose to acquire the freehold site,
and Vail Williams advised on the purchase. Following the successful acquisition in 2012, the commercial property consultancy assisted the landlord with advice on the extensive programme of refit and installation works, for the offices and wet/dry labs.
On completion, the Vail Williams Property Asset Management team runs the ‘plug and go’ facility which assists the scientists in achieving their goals, through readily available small-scale accommodation, let on short-term leases, within a multi-let lab environment. The lease set up supports the growth of the new company, while the fitted out labs provided by the landlord reduces the difficulties and expense of set up. Meanwhile the multi-let environment encourages enterprise and business development.
The first two occupiers signed in March 2014:
SAL Scientific Catalyst Centre tenant SAL Scientific recently received a
Future Solent Green Growth Programme grant which has enabled its move into the Science Centre, making it the first company to take advantage of the on-site laboratory facilities.
isodo3D isodo3D is a provider of personal, professional and
production 3D printers in the UK, and is the first company to take office space in the newly refurbished Science Centre.
For more information about Vail Williams LLP, please visit
www.vailwilliams.com
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