The next phase in the development of the multi-million pound Harlow Science Park at Harlow Enterprise Zone has been approved by Harlow Council.
At last Thursday’s Cabinet proposals were approved for the development of a range of ‘mid-tech’ units combining office, research and manufacturing and assembly space, to be known as Modus. Funding of approximately £7.2 million has been approved for the development, which will be retained by Harlow Council as an investment.
The Science Park at London Road North will provide space for science and technology companies and create high-value jobs for Harlow. It is specifically designed to provide high-quality space that will complement other science parks within the London-Stansted-Cambridge Corridor.
The first phase of the development, which features the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Innovation Centre and the Nexus building, will complete in August 2019. The ARU building will be geared towards start-ups while the Nexus building will cater for established, office-based businesses.
As the development is within a Government-backed Enterprise Zone planning permission is not required and there are business rates discounts on offer.
Modus will cater for smaller technology businesses looking for high-quality office and research facilities, with some production capability, which the buildings currently in development cannot accommodate.
Councillor Tony Durcan, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, said: “The Science Park is our flagship development within the Harlow Enterprise Zone, and it is fantastic to see the development moving along at pace. Harlow is a place to do business and it is fast becoming a destination for business in the competitive London-Stansted-Cambridge innovation corridor. We need to capitalise on that.
“There is both a shortage and a clear demand for this type and quality of space in Harlow, and Modus will be a fantastic addition to the Science Park. We are already in discussions with a number of interested businesses so we may well have some occupants ready to move in as soon as the buildings are completed.
“The development of Modus will also bring financial benefits. By us owning these units, as well as the Nexus building, it means we will retain all the income which can be used to support council services in the future.”
Construction of the next phase will begin later this year with development partners Vinci UK Developments.
