OMX, Science Creates

The Challenge

Bristol has a growing status as a deep tech hub, which positions the city to rival the so-called 'golden triangle' in South East England.  Science Creates aims to re-purpose a 30,000 sqft industrial building in the Days Road area of Bristol for their third incubator in the city.  This would accommodate new spin-out companies from West of England universities and beyond, making discoveries in quantum and engineering biology.  

Science Creates needed to secure consent as quickly and efficiently as possible to meet funding deadlines and build on existing successes in the local area.  

Our Role

We are currently acting as planning advisors to Science Creates, working with them to understand key planning issues, and an appropriate planning strategy and manage the application process.  This includes advising on the most efficient route to securing a planning consent, while ensuring both Science Creates and Bristol City Council's ambitions for quality are maintained.  

In parallel, we are also feeding into Bristol's Local Plan preparation process, to ensure their interests, and the interests of the R&D sector in general, are reflected in emerging policy.  

The Outcome

A range of different planning applications have been submitted and granted approval to ensure that resources are only expended where necessary, and statutory planning requirements are satisfied.  With Science Creates' existing deep tech hubs estimated to add £125m per annum in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the local economy, the new facility will offer significant benefits for Bristol, the West of England, and beyond.