1st November 2016

Work starts on £20m science park

Work has started on the £20m-plus Menai Science Park development on Anglesey, which is has been trailed as Wales’ first dedicated science park.

Willmott Dixon has been appointed to build the scheme, which will provide office and laboratory facilities for businesses.The projetct is benefitting from £10.8m of Welsh Government funding and £10.2m from the European Development Fund.

M-SParc aims to bring economic, scientific and technological benefits to North Wales and complement investment at Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station by supporting the wider supply chain.

It will focus on the low carbon and renewable energy sectors, aim to help deepen academic and business partnerships and work to grow North Wales’ knowledge economy.

The scheme near Gaerwen is set to open in 2018.

M-SParc director Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “Behind the scenes, work has been ongoing to secure tenants, and we already have a number of companies signed up as virtual tenants.”

Economy secretary Ken Skates said: “M-SParc’s  focus on low carbon and renewable energy sectors will complement the work already being undertaken by the Energy Island Initiative and the Anglesey Enterprise Zone  and will help local businesses more widely to create jobs and achieve sustainable economic growth.

“Its development has the potential to bring real economic benefits to Anglesey and the North Wales region more widely and I look forward to the park opening its door in 2018.”