10.06.05
Work Starts on Beacon Technology Park in Bodmin

Work is due to start in July on transforming the former St Lawrence's Hospital site in Bodmin into a high-tech business park thanks to a £4.3 million investment.

The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) has investment of £1.26 million from the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to allow essential works to proceed. The Objective One investment is being matched by £2.94 million from the South West RDA and £100,000 from North Cornwall District Council.

The investment package will create a new roundabout and access road off Dunmere Road and a loop road around the perimeter of the business park, together with site servicing, high quality landscaping and the creation of six development plots for businesses looking to locate to Bodmin.

The first phase of development will also see the conversion of the historic Carew Building into 20,000 sq ft of high quality office space, supporting an estimated 100 jobs on site. The South West RDA is in advanced discussions with a private sector developer interested in carrying out this work.

Robert McGuffie, the South West RDA's Cornwall regeneration manager said: "When fully developed this 17 acre site could support around 800 high paid jobs, which is why the South West RDA is supporting this project. But it's essential that we provide roads and other essential services like water and electricity before we can attract new businesses. We also want the site to have a parkland feel, which is why we are investing in high quality landscaping."

Carleen Kelemen, Objective One Partnership director, said: "Objective One helps create the right environment in which businesses can thrive and prosper and that includes providing sites and premises to help attract new companies to Cornwall and allow local ones to expand. Beacon Technology Park will be a huge asset for Bodmin and North Cornwall, which is why we are investing in its delivery."

Bruce Tyzzer, head of strategy and regeneration at North Cornwall District Council said: "We're seeing a lot of demand for quality office space in Bodmin and have been talking to several large employers about the Beacon Technology Park as part of their future expansion plans. This latest phase of works will really open the site up to potential occupiers and we're delighted that the necessary funding is now in place."

Work on the road infrastructure, site servicing and landscaping will start in July, and is expected to be completed by May of next year. The South West RDA is already marketing Beacon Technology Park to potential occupiers and it is hoped that the first plot will be developed out and occupied by July 2007.

For further information contact: Jason Clark of Deborah Clark & Associates on 01872 276276 or 07980 834368 or email: jason@dclark.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Beacon Technology Park through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

The South West RDA acquired the former St Lawrence's Hospital site in late 2003. Once renowned for its beautiful gardens, it was derelict for several years and some of the buildings were destroyed by fire in 2000. Those buildings have since been cleared by the South West RDA, except the Carew Building which is being retained for conversion.

The site was renamed the Beacon Technology Park following a competition where members of the public were asked to come up with a new name.

The South West Regional Development Agency was established in 1999. Our most important role is to ensure the long term economic success of the region, by promoting the right skills among its workforce, the most innovative businesses, and a high quality environment.

For further information contact:

Jason Clark
Deborah Clark & Associates
01872 276276
07980 834368
jason@dclark.co.uk

Robert McGuffie
Cornwall Regeneration Manager
South West RDA
01872 243750

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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