Investment boost for Glasgow science zone

 

© The Herald Originally published: 19/1/2008

The creation of a science and technology zone in the heart of Glasgow, expected to create 1600 jobs, has taken a major step forward with a £15.4m investment.

The first section of the Glasgow City Science site, in the Merchant City, has been sold to a firm which has built a number of science and technology parks across Britain.

The company has pledged to support emerging hi-tech firms with small creative sector businesses in a five-storey "innovation centre" which will house office space, shops and a dedicated business centre.

Roger Perrin, of Start, the new owners of the land, said that he hoped to appeal to talent emerging from the city's three universities as well as established companies.

He said: "It will be a place for the public to see what's available in Glasgow in terms of training, research and job creation.

"Primarily it will be for science and technology but we also want to locate likeminded entrepreneurs working in other fields. We are also aiming at the trendy artisan quarters of Glasgow."

The Glasgow City Science programme has been developed by Scottish Enterprise Glasgow after science and technology was identified as one of the fastest moving sectors in Scotland with the most potential for growth.

Stuart Patrick, operations director of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, said: "City Science is a key project for Glasgow and the west of Scotland. It will provide a high-quality city centre business location."