Nottingham Science Park, Jesse Boot Way
blueprint PROJECT
Blueprint have acquired 3.32 hectares (8.2) of undeveloped land adjacent to a 2 acre plot owned by Castle College creating a 12 acre development opportunity. The site is located on the opposite side of Jesse Boot Way to the existing Nottingham Science and Technology Park which is owned by Nottingham City Council. The existing City Council Science and Technology Park was established in 1984 and includes approximately 70,000 ft² of development undertaken by the City of Nottingham and 78,000 ft² of buildings developed and operated by the private sector. The Blueprint site was acquired by East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) to facilitate growth in the technology businesses on offer in the City of Nottingham by enhancing the deliverability of a future city-wide technology strategy and presenting the opportunity to advance development on a site reserved for R&D and knowledge based use. Blueprint acquired this site from EMDA to deliver these objectives. This brownfield site is a former land fill tip.
It has been over two decades since the first phase of the Science Park was constructed. The next phased of regeneration constitutes an integral part of Nottingham Cities strategic plan for the future of Nottingham as one of the UK's science cities, as announced by the Chancellor Gordon Brown in March 2005. Focussing on providing new accommodation for Hi Tec and knowledge based businesses the Blueprint development will be particularly relevant to companies spinning out from both of Nottingham's highly regarded universities as well as many developing knowledge based organisations.
This project was commenced in 2005 and by January 2008 Blueprint have already completed one building - the Highfields Technology Centre a 6000 sq m specifically designed for the automotive industry as a joint venture between Castle College and Toyota. A further speculative building, No 1 Nottingham Science Park, of 5,000 sq m is under construction providing a multi occupancy building offering unique business space for move on companies between 100 sq m and 1500 sq m. Completion of this building is scheduled for June 08.
Blueprints approach to achieving a unique and inspiring business environment which meets the criteria of the SRI ( Socially Responsible Investment Policy ) was to run a design competition for the 12 acre site to create an original masterplan which would challenge the traditional approach to the science park environment and deliver a modern approach to the use of the site and the architecture of the buildings whilst capturing the outstanding attributes of the environmental setting.
Through design, Blueprint are aiming to create sustainable space, that works not only in regard to aesthetics but also offers usefulness and practicality ensuring those working inside the buildings experience an environment that evolves passion and encourages innovation. At the heart of the design process has been the desire to create a wonderful place to work and to play in which occupants can engage with parks environment and the general public are encouraged to explore the benefits of the site.
The design competition drew over 47 submissions and the Blueprint Team, supported by OPEN Nottingham Regeneration Ltd, Nottingham University found it a challenging process to select the right practice as the quality was exceptional, especially at the final stage. The Company selected to deliver this vision was a combined design team of Studio Egret West ( Masterplanners / Architects ) , Hawkins Brown ( Architects) and Grant Associates ( Landscape Architects).
The concept is for a series of raised two storey contemporary bold structures set in a natural organic environment overlooking a public open space which will link the University Campus on the opposite side of University Boulevard with the nature reserve to the South of the site at Dunkirk Pond. This pedestrian link will be provided by a path created by a series of wooden lily pads set in a wild grassland and complemented by areas of hedges and trees. It is hoped that this parkland setting will become a recreational and learning feature for use for all ages and that it will be utilised not only by the science community but also by the public who will have the opportunity to learn about the research activities taking place around the site.
The buildings embrace sustainability seeking to reduce carbon emissions and make use of renewable energy sources. Some of the key sustainability for features within the buildings include: biomass heating, brown roof, adiabatic cooling system and natural ventilation. Surface water drainage from all buildings on the site will drain into the SUDS - the Sustainable Urban Drainage system thus reducing any impact the site may have on the local water course and flooding. Careful attention has been given to matters of detail such as lighting so that the development encourages biodiversity and has a reduced impact on habitats around the site. Materials found throughout the building are informed by the Blueprint SRI.
Blueprint are working closely with Nottingham City Council to relaunch the Nottingham Science and Technology Park and have renamed the park Nottingham Science Park which has a new Corporate image and are working towards a joint management structure.
It is anticipated that the Blueprint site will create over 1000 new jobs when completed. It is estimated that the first 200 of those jobs will be created within the No I building which is due for completion in June 08.
The development will secure the future of this neglected brownfield land bringing economic growth to the City of Nottingham and supporting its Science City status. The Nottingham Science Park will generate in the order of £50m of development over ten years.
Further details for the park can be found on the Nottingham Science Park website www.nottinghamsciencepark.co.uk
