Construction has started on the new Harlow Science Park located within the Harlow Enterprise Zone, Essex and was marked by a “ground-breaking” event held on Tuesday 16 October.

The 27 acre masterplan by Scott Brownrigg for VINCI UK Developments as part of a consortium with Wrenbridge, will provide more than 675,000 sq ft of space in which businesses can interact, innovate and grow in a cutting-edge collaborative environment.

The first buildings designed by Scott Brownrigg will deliver a combined space of 45,000 sq ft and will complete by end of 2019. One building is a 15,000 sq ft Business Innovation Centre, acquired by Anglia Ruskin University and part-funded by Essex County Council and the other is a 30,000 sq ft office complex owned by Harlow Council for growth businesses in the technology sector.

The Harlow Science Park will create a new, forward thinking hub for businesses focused on all areas of science, technology, research and innovation. Its location serves to complement and build upon the already extensive life science and medical technology cluster in the London Stansted Cambridge Corridor. Designed as an attractive campus style environment, it will establish and incubate a collaborative, science-technology led community.

Bruce Calton, Director at Scott Brownrigg said: “Both the masterplan and the two initial buildings have been positively received by the industry and by the UK Science Park Association. The work reflects a great collaboration between all parties involved to get to this point, with an aspirational masterplan enabling high quality buildings to be located on a premier park setting. It will allow 3,000 new employees to contribute to the prosperity of Harlow’s science and research community. We look forward to celebrating the completion of these buildings and to moving onto the design of the next series of buildings”.

Bruno Dupety, CEO VINCI UK, said:

“This is a pivotal moment in the development of Harlow Science Park and is testament to the effective collaboration between all of the parties involved. We look forward to continuing our strong and fruitful relationship with Harlow Council and Harlow Enterprise Zone, as we develop a vibrant hub for businesses to thrive and people to meet, form partnerships and exchange ideas; and ultimately helping bring further economic prosperity to the area.”