Issue - meetings

   Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

 Cabinet memberCouncillor Fleur de Rhé-Philipe presented the report which updated Cabinet regarding the allocation of £4 million through the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal to contribute towards the construction of Phase 1 of Porton Science Park. It was noted that with this commitment in place, the Council and its partners (Tetricus, and Dstl that ownedthe land upon which the science park would be constructed) were now able to take action to ensure that the benefit of this funding was realised.  The report recommended that approval be given to the allocation of contributory funding to the project on the capital programme for 2015/16; and that be delegated to the Associate Director for Economic Development and Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport, to deliver the project within the parameters set out in the report.

In presenting the report, Councillor Fleur de Rhé-Philipe noted that the proposals aimed to protect important jobs in the area and to enhance the position of life sciences in Wiltshire. The Council did not want to lose jobs and companies that wished to stay on site. The Council had met with Central Government representatives who had been impressed with the plans. A new incubation building would be built to protect 120 jobs and would put in infrastructure for expansion of the science park. It was hoped that up to 1800 jobs could be created should private investment follow the funding from the public purse. A huge amount of work had gone into developing this plan.

Councillor Dick Tonge stated that, after having considered the report in great detail, he was satisfied that the proposals were financially sound.

The Leader commended the scheme which was an exciting opportunity and would enable Wiltshire to be the third major life sciences base in the country.

Councillor Toby Sturgis stated that he was delighted to see conditions included that the buildings should meet BREEAM excellences standards.

In response to a question, Councillor Fleur de Rhé-Philipe stated that work was ongoing to address transport issues with the site.

Resolved

1. To approve the allocation of contributory funding to the project on the capital programme for 2015/16.

2. To delegate authority to the Associate Director for Economic Development and Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport, to deliver the project within the parameters set out in this report.

Reason for decision:

Porton Science Park is prioritised in the Council’s Business Plan and the construction of the first phase will be significant to the development of the life sciences sector in the county and nationally.  It will ensure the retention of businesses currently housed in the current Tetricus facility (soon to close), and in addition create up to 2,000 new, high value jobs, as well as providing a focal point and platform for innovation, research and development in the health and life sciences in Wiltshire and the wider Wessex area.