Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

A major industry giant is now being sought to take an R & D hub side by side with Unilever at the heart of the new science park.

David Mann, the Science Park development director, revealed that the search for a kindred spirit – comparable to Unilever in size and culture – would be international.

And he revealed that the company had visited similar, commercially-driven science parks in the United States before settling on the exact development model.

“Having visited Boston, San Diego and San Francisco we don‘t feel we should be in awe of Cambridge in this venture. Unlike some science parks and research zones, which are underpinned by a university presence, we have decided that the nervecentre of our development should be strictly commercial.”

A joint venture between Unilever and Arlington Securities, the property services and fund management business, has been forged to drive the scheme forward.

The objective is to transform the site into a destination of choice for scientists, with a growth strategy focusing on attracting large established R & D companies, as well as entrepreneurs with smaller businesses.

The new venture will be owned 50:50 and draw on the management teams of both partners, with Arlington providing property development and investment, marketing, park management and property services expertise.

The first phase of the development is expected to take seven years and will see the park increase from 800-1500 people. This will make Colworth one of the largest employers in north Beds and a major engine of regional growth.

The current scheme has been two years in the planning and Mann expects a start on site next year. It is not starting entirely from scratch: Unilever currently has 20,000 sq ft of space at Colworth Science Park being marketed.

Unilever will remain a core occupier of the enlarged development and continue to use Colworth for life sciences and exploratory research. It also houses its Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre and is a technology centre for a range of its global food and drink brands.

The new structure will provide additional revenue streams for Unilever, as well as create high quality employment opportunities in the area. Colworth has been involved in numerous innovative projects including the development of PG Tips pyramid bags and Flora pro.activ.

Tony Crouch, managing director, Unilever Colworth, said: “Scientific research is essential to the UK’s position as a world class manufacturer and we are delighted to be able to offer new opportunities to companies who work in this important sector.

“Colworth has been a key focus of Unilever’s research and development over the past 50 years and the new park will help drive this work into the future and give our employees the opportunity to become part of a vibrant, scientific community.”