The University of Essex hopes £10million Innovation Centre on its Knowledge Gateway campus in Wivenhoe will encourage new businesses and help create up to 400 new jobs.
Plans have been submitted for the new centre, which will consist of 66 individual offices designed to accommodate businesses of between two and nine employees.
Work could start as early as spring next year if planning permission is granted by Colchester Borough Council, with the overall Knowledge Gateway masterplan having outline planning permission already, and provided funding is confirmed.
The centre, designed by architects ADP and Oxford Innovation, would be a focal point on the Knowledge Gateway science and business park.
It is hoped the centre will act as a “dynamo for growth” across the park by offering newer businesses space, as well as expertise from academics at the university, to develop.
They can also recruit new graduates direct from the university.
The university hopes the centre could create up to 400 jobs within the first 10 years of operation
Professor Anthony Forster, vice-chancellor at the University of Essex, said: “We have a world-class reputation for research and we are totally committed to transferring that knowledge to help create jobs and support growth in the eastern region.
“We want to connect Essex researchers, businesses and the public and voluntary sectors by providing a thriving business environment at the Knowledge Gateway.
“Our new Innovation Centre will deliver a step-change in the use of our cutting-edge research to improve productivity, support companies across the technology, professional service and creative sectors and create high quality new jobs.”
The centre will also be able to integrate with other elements of the gateway, such as the Essex Business School.
Architects have allowed for two additional wings to be added to the Innovation Centre at a later stage as more firms move onto the business park.
Phase two of the Parkside Office Village is also expected to start in early 2016.
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