Planning permission granted for more technology businesses at Ansty Park
07/07/2009
Advantage West Midland’s Ansty Park development has been granted planning permission for more high technology floorspace, taking the total size of the new business park to 140,000 sqm.
The additional 40,000 sqm for technology businesses will create more highly skilled jobs for the area and further enhance the region’s position as a hub of technology and innovation.
The 100 acre (40 hectare) Ansty Park site located adjacent to junction 2 of the M6, is being transformed into a world class research and development park by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands. The site is owned by Advantage West Midlands and the scheme is being developed in partnership with Highbridge Properties plc together with Rugby Borough Council, Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council.
Steve Holland, Head of Asset Management at Advantage West Midlands, said: “The new planning permission is great news for Ansty Park. The development will become one of the most centrally located research and development parks in the country, offering a golden opportunity for the region to secure its future at the forefront of research & development.”
Advantage West Midlands is investing around £44 million of funding into remediation and highway infrastructure on and off-site at Ansty Park, a project which will eventually create up to 7,000 jobs.
Anna Rose, Head of Planning & Culture at Rugby Borough Council, said: “The new planning permission at Ansty has the potential to create the most significant site for research and development within the region. This represents a huge opportunity for Rugby in terms of its role as the gateway to the West Midlands and builds upon a reputation of economic success. The Council looks forwards to continuing the good working relationship it has built up with AWM.”
With a total investment potential of around £500 million, Ansty Park has already attracted major interest from regional, national and international companies. Telecommunications leader Ericsson will be the first occupant on the site later this year, when Ansty Park will become home to its new research and development centre and up to 850 staff.
In addition to attracting Ericsson to the site, the investment has been the catalyst for securing the £120 million National Manufacturing Technology Centre for the site by 2010.