Fareham: Tech businesses flock to innovation centre
A flourishing innovation centre for start-ups and early-stage businesses is already three-quarters full within 12 months of the official unveiling of a multi-million-pound extension.
Currently home to 39 companies and organisations, Fareham Innovation Centre in south Hampshire, has 55 offices, 20 workshops and an impressive meeting and conference centre.
Centre Director Stephen Brownlie of Oxford Innovation said: “Take-up since the £7 million extension opened last May has been incredible. Businesses have been instantly drawn to a flourishing ecosystem of tech entrepreneurs, on-site business support and the can-do atmosphere. The centre is already three-quarters full, with 2,550 sq m let of the 3,400 sq m available. We are ahead of schedule on occupancy levels, with inward investment by occupiers helping support high-value jobs locally and through supply chains. We have more than 250 people employed here by the 39 occupiers and both figures are on track to increase over the next year or so.”
Companies on the site, which is within Solent Enterprise Zone and by Solent Airport, are predominately aviation, aerospace, marine, maritime and advanced manufacturing.
Oxford Innovation manages the award-winning Fareham Innovation Centre on behalf of owner Fareham Borough Council, and is the leading operator of Innovation Centres across the UK.
Fareham Innovation Centre’s original £5.3m building opened four years ago with 24 offices and 15 light-manufacturing workshops. Near-100% occupancy was achieved within 11 months, creating demand for the extension, which has more than doubled the building’s original footprint.
The extension comprises 33 additional offices, 5 additional workshops, meeting rooms and The Bridge conference suite, which can accommodate up to 100 delegates.
Brownlie said: “With the high-tech conference facilities, office space, workshops and business support, Fareham Innovation Centre is becoming a premier location for start-ups, early-stage firms and maturing businesses involved in next-generation technology.”
