On Tuesday morning at the Business Doing Business event in Newport, Liz Wakeham-Jones from Telford and Wrekin Council gave a presentation and update on the world leading agri-tech research and innovation hub on the edge of Newport.
Work is now well under way to create the infrastructure to support the Ni-Park, ultimately supporting the creation of up to 950 jobs.
Ni-Park is a key element of the Newport Innovation and Enterprise Package (‘NIEP’) which secured £6.36m funding from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership under the Local Growth Fund, matched by investment from Telford & Wrekin Council.
Works at Ni-Park Newport are being delivered by infrastructure group Balfour Beatty. The project will provide a significant economic boost to Newport and the local area.
The continued development of Harper Adams University, with its successful agri-tech research programme and Agri-Engineering and Precision Farming Centre for Innovation, has created an opportunity to bring high value jobs to Newport through the creation of a cluster of high tech businesses on the new innovation site.
It will also strengthen supply chain opportunities and growth of a key sector providing economic benefits across the whole Borough. The site was identified by the Government’s Department for International Trade as an international focus for new foreign inward investment.
The development is supported by Telford & Wrekin Council, the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and Harper Adams University.
The project has begun with highway works on the A518 which are expected to last until December 2020. It will mean a 30mph limit will be in place on the A518 past the site for the duration of the construction.
Jon Kiteley, Balfour Beatty’s Area Director for North and Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council at the Newport Innovation Park project.
“Our team of expert engineers are perfectly positioned to deliver this scheme which will enable the development of a new employment area for the local community. We will also utilize a local supply chain throughout construction to support the local economy in Newport.”
The Ni-Park site has also been identified as a Strategic Employment Area which will meet local employment needs and demand around Newport.
The site’s strong links with Harper Adams University will provide opportunities for leading high efficiency agri-tech research and innovation through the University’s partners and students.
