Wales’ first dedicated science park has revealed plans to develop a second building on their Anglesey site, as the first building approaches capacity. The additional space will enable Bangor University’s M-SParc to further boost business and staff numbers at the site near Gaerwen.
This comes five years after the first property was opened close to the A55 with the aim of diversfying the economy, raising average wages and attracting people back to the island. It has attracted 50 businesses to the site with another 30 virtual tenants.
Companies at M-SParc pay salaries of over £5,000 per year more than the Wales average. The new building already has outline planning secured and will be designed to tie-in to the existing landscape design of the science park site.
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Pryderi ap Rhisiart, managing director of M-SParc, said: “We’re excited to finally make this announcement, and particularly as we hear about the Freeport status for Anglesey, and the growing urgency around decarbonising the country, it can’t come at a better time.”
M-SParc 2.0 will focus on the low carbon sector and builds upon the University’s research strengths. M-SParc already has an established low carbon ‘Egni’ team who have been researching and hosting events in the sector.
They have also been conducting low carbon reviews for companies across the region, and working towards M-SParc becoming the first science park in the UK to reach NetZero by 2030.
Bangor University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke said: “As a University, we are delighted to see our Science Park developing plans to grow and show real ambition for the economy of North Wales.
“This expansion will continue to create well-paid careers for people and inspire future generations, while also focusing on supporting companies and research in the low-carbon sector building on the strengths of the University. The plans for development align with Bangor University’s values and our strategy for the future, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this project on the community.”
Pryderi added: “The new building will also facilitate our work to bridge the skills gap in the region and provide high value employment. It’s essential that young people are aware of the opportunities for careers regionally, and know that they do not have to leave to find work.
“We have also taken M-SParc #OnTour across the region, to ensure everyone can access opportunities in the science and tech sectors, no matter how rural their location. It’s a very exciting time to live in North Wales."
This project is in the early stages of development, and park bosses will continue to announce new developments as things progress. On June 13, anyone who would like to learn more about M-SParc and the next phase of development are invited to an “open house” event, where staff will be available between 3.30pm-6pm to answer any questions.
Tours can also be arranged and booked online at https://m-sparc.com/events.
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