Building has commenced on the next stage of the Heslington East development. The new development sees work begin on ‘The Catalyst’, a business space designed to promote the local economy and support growing businesses.
Due for completion in the Autumn, The Catalyst will feature 2,755 square metres of modern, managed office space.
York Science Park Ltd. will lease and manage the building and will hope to build on the success of the Science Park to promote close integration and knowledge exchange between the businesses who take up office space on the development and academic departments.
Science City York applied for a major project grant to the European Regional Development Fund and secured £19.7 million to provide new infrastructure to stimulate research & development and improve regional competitiveness in the science and technology sectors. More than £15 million of this is being allocated to help fund the expansion of facilities on the University’s campus expansion including The Catalyst, with the rest funding other business related developments on the original campus.
Andy Gurnell, Science City York, said: “Securing European funding has enabled the development of an innovative infrastructure initiative which will cement York’s position as a leading centre for knowledge exchange and as a city of science.”
The Catalyst is designed to support the growth and development of early stage companies in the creative, IT, digital and media sectors. It will give new businesses the opportunity to access the facilities and the teaching and research expertise of the University’s academic departments, including Computer Science, Law and Management and the new Department of Theatre, Film and Television.
Tracey Smith, General Manager of York Science Park, said: “Its unique location will enable new businesses in these sectors to draw on the wealth of knowledge and expertise available in the University, and give them a real head start on their road to commercial success.”