Haslams are delighted to be have been selected as joint agents for Thames Valley Science Park which is being developed by the University of Reading. The TVSP master plan allows for 800,000 sq ft of development on the 47-acre site in Shinfield, south of Junction 11 of the M4 Motorway in Reading. and will offer an ideal environment for innovative technology based companies. Opportunities comprise multi-occupied and stand-alone facilities including prestigious bespoke HQ buildings and corporate R&D facilities and laboratories. Phase 1 The Gateway comprising 50,000 sq.ft of laboratory and associated office space is under construction and is already almost pre-leased. The second building of 30,000 sq.ft is also under offer to a single occupier.
“It is one opportunity that is currently missing in the Thames Valley and TVSP is looking to fill this gap and some. We have a number of discussions going on with occupiers who are under the general market radar. What these occupiers are looking for can only be supplied at TVSP and Haslams are looking forward to working on its development over the coming months and years.” Commented Neil Seager, Partner at Haslams.
The science community has tended to be drawn towards Cambridge and Oxford which are home to well known science parks but, with its connectivity to London and the international market, TVSP could soon challenge these more established locations. Occupiers of the park will benefit from an association with the University of Reading but also the close proximity to the many high profile occupiers based in the region. In relative terms the cost of living in Reading is inexpensive when compared to London, and cheaper than Cambridge and Oxford. Thames Valley Science Park will have an emphasis on collaboration whereby likeminded companies and individuals can share ideas. The design of the science park will be focused on the science and research community and will not be just another office park. Neil went on to comment; “Indeed if an occupier is considering a traditional office then they are probably not right for us. We are seeking to create a knowledge based scientific community with interaction high on the agenda to ensure ideas are shared to mutual benefit. The “cold” business park is not the right environment for such collaboration. The science community works in a different way”.
The tenants are being offered a mix of office and laboratory space of which there is a critical shortage in the Thames Valley. When the Gateway Building opens in August 2017, it will be the UK’s first new science park since Bristol & Bath Science Park opened in 2011.
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Neil Seager
BSc (Hons) MRICS