A NEW science and technology hub is open for business following a substantial investment from the University of Reading.

The ‘Gateway’ building is part of a £35m investment into Thames Valley Science Park and is part of a flagship project to encourage new tenants to access the latest laboratory equipment.

A dedicated hub for entrepreneurs and growing businesses will be based at the Gateway and a full-formed science park is expected to take up to 20 years to be built.

Future stages will include an innovative cancer treatment centre, which is under construction and open later this year.

Dr David Gillham, director of Thames Valley Science Park, said: “I am hugely proud that the Thames Valley Science Park is now open for business.

“From the outset, our aim has been to create a community of ambitious like-minded companies who have an ability to make a genuine difference to the local region and the wider world.

Reading Chronicle:

“Some of our tenants have already moved in and the rest will follow in the coming months. A number of them began their relationship with the University many years ago, as they are currently located in our facilities on the Whiteknights Campus.

“It has been wonderful to see these companies grow and now expand into the bigger premises that the Science Park can offer them.”

University bosses hope to make Thames Valley Science Park one of the biggest in the south East.

Proton Partners will be responsible for delivering the new cancer treatment centre, investing £30m to build its own purpose-built centre, which will help to meet growing demand for proton beam therapy, a specialised type of cancer treatment that is not yet available in the UK. 

Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, added: “The Thames Valley Science Park is the first of its kind in the region, and a sign of the University's commitment to investing in the local economy.

“Its location just outside London – and close to major transport hubs like the M4, Reading Station and Heathrow – will attract new UK and international businesses to the area, in turn creating more jobs and wealth.

“The launch is the culmination of many years of hard work. It also represents an exciting moment for the University as it further enhances its reputation for excellence – locally, nationally and internationally.”