Plans lodged for next phase of landmark science and tech scheme

Plans for the next phase of a landmark science and tech focused development in Cheshire have now been submitted, with the new space able to accommodate up to 1,600 jobs.Following extensive public consultation, Bruntwood SciTech – a 50:50 joint venture between Bruntwood and Legal & General – has submitted a planning application for two new buildings for lab and office space at Alderley Park, Cheshire, totalling about 200,000 sq ft.Subject to planning permission, 100,000 sq ft of lab space will be created. Spanning five floors, it will be suitable for both chemistry and biology uses, as well as associated write-up space.Meanwhile, the new office building will provide 100,000 sq ft ofworkspace across six floors, offering coworking, serviced, leased, and made and managed spaces to create a collaborative environment where tech and innovative businesses can colocate together. The new developments will be suitable for life sciences, technology and healthcare companies, particularly those working in drug discovery and development, diagnostics, digital health and AI sectors.In addition to the ongoing £247m investment, which has seen a complete redevelopment of the Park, this will be the first newly built commercial space to be delivered since acquiring the site in 2014.The new office building will include flexible meeting rooms, lounge areas, an impressive outdoor terrace and a hospitality offering, providing new amenities for all of the Alderley Park community.The ambitious plans will support the development of the UK’s largest single-site campus, which is already home to more than 250 companies, and will accommodate up to 1,600 new life science and tech jobs in the region.Externally, the new scheme includes plans to incorporate an area of extensive public realm designed to inspire. It will include landscaped gardens and breakout areas that will be accessible and inclusive, designed to encourage collaboration.Dr Kath Mackay, director of life sciences at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “The life sciences sector has seen major growth in the UK over the last decade, with the UK now seeing a significant lack of available lab space, which has the potential to hamper further growth if supply is not boosted.”It is vital that we play our role in supporting investment into specialist infrastructure – unlocking growth to meet this growing demand, and keeping knowledge and innovation within the UK – which is what we are doing at Alderley Park and at our other life science campuses across the UK’s regions.”Additionally, Bruntwood SciTech has submitted planning permission for new residential accommodation aimed at key workers. This includes the redevelopment of a former office building into 109 new housing units, comprising a mix of studios and one-bed apartments.The proceeds raised following the sale of residential plots at Alderley Park will be reinvested into the new developments, which will further provide market-leading lab and office space in the North of England.