The University of Reading has announced its commitment to develop a new Science and Innovation Park at the heart of the Thames Valley with an investment of up to £50 million to establish the site infrastructure and phase one construction.
The University's Science and Innovation Park will play a key role in driving the region's knowledge economy, targeting technology-led companies seeking both a strategic location and access to the high-quality research and graduate support provided by the University.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "The University of Reading's commitment to invest in a new Science and Innovation Park underlines the vital contribution this University makes to the Thames Valley's position as one of the most successful economic sub-regions in Europe. The provision of dedicated facilities and services will provide a platform for the regional knowledge economy to thrive.
"There is a substantial market in the region for such a facility, with no dedicated science park currently operating in the Thames Valley or London. We expect strong demand from both UK and international companies seeking a prominent Thames Valley location, while the Science Park will also be the natural choice for London-based companies that are looking for space to expand as well as emergent Thames Valley SMEs.
"Last week, the government published the initial findings of a review led by Sir Andrew Witty which placed the UK's world-leading universities at the heart of local and national economic growth. Reading is a shining example and the Science and Innovation Park will reinforce our position as one of the most forward-looking and entrepreneurial universities in the country."
The University of Reading has well-established experience in running specialist facilities for the commercial Research and Development market. It currently operates dedicated facilities on its Whiteknights campus for 80 knowledge-based companies employing over 750 people. The University's Reading Enterprise Centre and the Science and Technology Centre are purpose-built business facilities linked to the University's renowned research specialisms and a ready-made talent pool. The campus is also home to R&D facilities for Mondelez (formerly Kraft).
The new Science and Innovation Park will be close to London and Heathrow, as well as the many clusters of successful knowledge businesses based in the Thames Valley. This privileged location is allied to a first class regional transport infrastructure, underpinned by the recent £1 billion investment in Reading Station, and will make the Science Park a strategic location for business investment.
Wokingham Borough Council granted the University planning permission to develop phase one of the Science Park in 2010. The University of Reading, in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, has secured an investment of almost £25 million for the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road, a key infrastructure development to underpin access to the Science and Innovation Park as well as the Shinfield West housing development.
(CD)
Construction News
16/07/2013
Uni To Develop Science And Innovation Park


11/06/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has reached a major milestone in the refurbishment of Broomfield Hospital, completing phases A and B of an extensive redevelopment project aimed at enhancing and futureproofing the site's healthcare provision.
The project has involved the full removal of Reinforced Autoc

11/06/2025
Ashfield District Council has named Lindum Group as the construction partner for the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC), a pioneering facility that will anchor the £100 million Ashfield Innovation and Technology Park in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Construction of the ADMC is set to begi

11/06/2025
Network Rail (Wales and Borders) is carrying out vital track renewal and maintenance work between Bridgend and St Fagans as part of a programme aimed at ensuring the continued safety and reliability of the rail network.
The works, which involve replacing rails, sleepers, and track ballast, will tak

11/06/2025
Ringland Community Centre has become the latest Newport City Council facility to be powered by renewable energy, thanks to the installation of 112 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof.
With a total generating capacity of 56kWp, the new solar array is expected to reduce the centre’s carbon foo

11/06/2025
Clegg Construction has announced the appointment of Amy Fullaway as its new Business Development Manager, further strengthening its team as the company continues to grow its project portfolio across the Midlands, East Anglia and the North.
With more than five years of business development experienc

11/06/2025
Preparations are underway for the demolition of former office buildings on New North Road in Hainault, clearing the way for a major new residential development by Persimmon Homes Essex.
The Essex-based five-star housebuilder has acquired the site, which already has planning consent for 86 new homes

11/06/2025
A new £17.1 million primary school in Cwmbran has officially opened to pupils this week.
The state-of-the-art, 420-place building replaces the former Maendy Primary School in Northville and becomes the first fully net zero school in the borough. Staff worked over the half term to move furniture and

11/06/2025
Esh Construction has been appointed as the sole delivery partner for Northumbrian Water's Wastewater Networks Framework, a major contract covering planned and reactive repairs and maintenance across the utility's regional wastewater network.
The eight-year framework, valued at up to £20 million per

11/06/2025
G&H has secured a contract with Centrica Business Solutions to deliver turnkey MEP solutions at Solihull Hospital to support net zero plans.
Solihull Hospital Trust appointed international energy and services provider Centrica Business Solutions to install a new energy management system after recei

11/06/2025
Cardiff Council and Wates Residential have celebrated a key milestone in the transformation of the Channel View estate in Grangetown, with the topping out of Block B, a six-storey building that will provide 24 highly energy-efficient council homes for older people.
The new homes form part of Phase