A PROJECT which aims to bring hundreds of additional jobs to BT’s Adastral Park complex has received a boost with the hand-over today of a second dedicated building.

Innovation Martlesham was set up to build on the mix of companies already based at Adastral Park with view to transforming it into a genuine “cluster” of high-tech businesses.

From today, it is taking reservations for space within the Ross Building where offices and conference rooms are to be refurbished, ready for the first tenants to arrive in April.

The building is prominently located within Adastral Park site at Martlesham Heath and occupants will be served by the fastest internet connection in the East of England as well as having the prestige of being based at a site with an international reputation.

“Martlesham is a brilliant place for ICT companies of all sizes,” said Graham Reid, director of Innovation Martlesham. “We have already filled one building, so I am delighted to open new office space in Ross in April.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for small and growing ICT companies to be located with the world’s largest ICT companies. Google and HP both started with two guys in a garage; we can offer two person offices (and larger) complete with super fast broadband.”

Among those already operating at Adastral Park alongside BT are names such as Alcatel, Cisco Systems, Fujitsu and Nokia Siemens Networks, but the total of 16 existing companies also includes a mix of start-up ventures and growing small firms.

The long-term vision is for the number of companies on the site to exceed 100 which, even allowing for many of them being small as individual organisations, could create an additional 1,000 jobs.

Mr Reid said there was already evidence of genuine “clustering”, with businesses being attracted to the site because of those already based there. “Clustering is taking off,” he added. “People are now beginning to understand the power and the benefits of being on this site.”

Inititially formed by BT and the East of England Development Agency, Innovation Martlesham is now being championed by the Haven Gateway economic partnership. David Ralph, Haven Gateway chief executive, said: “Adastral Park is a key asset for the Haven Gateway sub-region and we felt this project needed pushing forward.”

A tour for prospective tenants of the Ross Building is to be held next Tuesday, March 8. For further details, visit www.innovationmartlesham.com .