With M-SParc’s flagship building now at capacity, the new building will feature offices, workshops and laboratories, as well as training, outreach and event spaces; enabling the site to grow while continuing to leverage Bangor University’s on-site research excellence.
Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Bangor University’s Science Park, M-SParc, was established as a driver for long-term economic growth and innovation in North Wales, building on the University’s research strengths and regional opportunities. From the outset, it was always the goal to expand the site to increase our support for innovation in science and technology. With the recent announcements of major regional investment, the need to grow our facilities and capabilities has never been clearer. This expansion will enable us to further develop our close engagement with local companies, ensuring that innovation benefits the wider community and supports sustainable regional growth.”
Ambition North Wales is set to match-fund the development through its North Wales Growth Deal, subject to final business case approval. Funded by Welsh and UK governments, the Growth Deal is investing in projects across the region to enable sustainable economic growth.
Meghan Davies, Energy and Net Zero Programme Manager, Ambition North Wales, said: “Egni is a significant project within our Growth Deal’s Low Carbon Energy programme, which looks to position the region as a leading location for green energy. We are excited to see Wynne Construction with its excellent reputation and strong commitment to sustainability appointed and look forward to considering the final business case in the near future”
Following the creation of the ‘Egni Low Carbon’ team in 2021, which has significantly expanded activity in the sector, M-SParc and Bangor University are now working closely with Wynne Construction to deliver the new building. This collaboration will strengthen the region’s low-carbon ecosystem and support continued progress towards Net Zero.
Simon Moreton, Commercial, Wynne Construction, said: “This prestigious project marks our first partnership with Bangor University and represents a significant addition to our growing portfolio of university projects across the North Wales region.
“We are delighted to be working with Bangor University and M-SParc team to deliver a high-quality, sustainable facility that reflects the aspirations of the University and wider science and technology community. As with all our projects, social value will be at the heart of our approach.
“We will be investing in the local North Wales supply chain, creating opportunities for local businesses and employment, and fostering community engagement throughout the project.”
Since its opening in 2018, M-SParc has successfully created over 150 new high value jobs and facilitated more than 150 internships and industrial placements, all while attracting £7 million in innovation investment into the region.
M-SParc’s Managing Director, Pryderi ap Rhisiart said: “We’re nearly at full capacity at the current M-SParc building, and have seen some amazing partnerships, spin-outs, start-ups and established companies innovating and creating jobs since opening in 2018. With the recent announcement at Wylfa, and North Wales designated as an AI Growth Zone, this is the perfect time to join the M-SParc movement and take full advantage of these opportunities.”
The new building will also play a crucial role in the Anglesey Freeport initiative, providing a modern facility on the Anglesey Freeport site.
Dylan Williams, CEO, Anglesey Council added: “The M-SParc Science Park is integral to the development and delivery of Anglesey Freeport's innovation and research and design programme going forward.
"The new building will provide another essential resource and facilities needed to support economic development with innovation at its heart. Clearly, this initiative will also compliment the County Council’s existing Energy Island Programme and support our shared ambition of creating a vibrant local economy."
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said: “M-SParc is an example of how strategic investment in research and development infrastructure can create high-quality jobs and attract further investment, whilst supporting our ambitions for a greener, more prosperous future for North Wales and beyond.
"Our investment, in addition to funding from the North Wales Growth Deal, has provided an extra £2.5m in match funding, recognising the role M-SParc will play in capturing the benefits of forthcoming investment from Wylfa, Anglesey Freeport and the AI Growth Zone.”
To find out more about the ecosystem, tenancy on site, and the Egni project, get in touch with the team at egni@m-sparc.com, or drop in for a panad at Caffi Tanio.
