Space park project to take ‘one giant leap’

A £5m project that could pave the way for the development of a space park in Leicester could get under way in spring next year.The city council plans to clear a six-hectare site on the former John Ellis site and prepare it for development by addressing flood risk and drainage issues, creating new access to the site and providing utilities.As part of the scheme for Pioneer Park, the authority will create better connections for pedestrians and cyclists between the site, the National Space Centre and the Abbey Pumping Station, while enhancing the public realm.The council will also acquire two further brownfield sites in the area, both currently owned by the Homes & Communities Agency, to secure their future use as employment land for hi-tech businesses.