Bowmer + Kirkland appointed as constructors of Space Park Leicester
The University of Leicester is delighted to announce Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) have been appointed to construct Phase 1 of Space Park Leicester.
Space Park Leicester is currently being developed by the University of Leicester in collaboration with local, national and international partners, and will provide state-of-the-art, high-tech facilities for research, development and manufacturing. It will house capabilities and companies covering an end-to-end capability, from satellite design and engineering, through to downstream data and its applications, which creates unmatched opportunities for collaboration.
Space Park Leicester is located at Pioneer Park within the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP) has allocated £12.88m of Local Growth Fund to develop the infrastructure and deliver the first phase – a science and innovation facility with earth observation, coding, training and general facilities that represents the core of the Space Park
Bowmer + Kirkland, established in 1923 and have grown to become one of the UK’s most successful and financially secure, independent construction and development groups. The 25 companies within the Group specialise in construction and construction-related activities.
B+K’s exceptional credentials will enable the University to bring Space Park Leicester to life.
Iain Gillespie Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at the University of Leicester said: “We are really pleased to announce the appointment of Bowmer + Kirkland as constructors for this exciting project. We’ve been hugely impressed with their approach and are confident that this relationship will be a great success.”
Kevin Harris, Chair of the LLEP Board of Directors, said: “The project is a true collaboration between academia, business and government – both local and national – as we harness the space industry to benefit our region and the wider UK. As Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited, I have seen first-hand what this kind of collaborative effort can achieve, and how significant investments in infrastructure and emerging technologies can grease the wheels of economic growth and prosperity.”
Construction at Space Park Leicester is due to begin soon with completion of the first phase expected to be in late 2020.
Formalities for the land purchase from Leicester City Council and construction contract were completed with support from Innes England (property acquisition), Excello Law (property legal) and Weightmans LLP (construction legal).