Gate opens doors to knowledge-based entrepreneursOctober 22, 2004A new science park in Sunderland, which is expected to create 200 jobs, has been officially opened by CBI Director General Digby Jones. St Peter's Gate, designed to attract more knowledge-based businesses to the North East, has already attracted considerable interest. The park, adjacent to the University of Sunderland's riverside campus, has been developed by the university in partnership with the Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) and the City of Sunderland. It is managed by the university and provides incubator units for fledgling entrepreneurs as well as accommodation for established knowledge-based businesses. The 1,440m2 development will also offer an all-important first step for businesses set up by undergraduates and graduates. Six companies have already moved into the building, two are due to move in and several applications are pending. Digby Jones said: "It's not a question of St Peter's Gate being a nice thing to have - it's essential to modern Britain. I applaud the university's vision and its innovative outlook. It is doing the right thing at the right moment and I think it is fantastic." Park manager Julia Macfarlane, says "We have been delighted with the level of interest in St Peter's Gate. There is growing demand for high quality space from entrepreneurs and innovators wanting to locate to Sunderland and St Peter's Gate is very well placed to meet that demand." The park is likely to draw some of its occupants from the university's new Media Centre at its riverside campus, which houses the regional centre of research excellence for digital media. The TyneWear Partnership supported the park with £1.6m from the Single Programme fund. EU funding worth £500,000 and £50,000 from the private sector has also been received. Phil Hughes, One NorthEast's board member for Tyne and Wear, says: "St Peter's Gate Science Park development substantially improves the university's ability to contribute to the growth of the knowledge-based economy which has been singled out by One NorthEast as a key area for investment." Anyone wanting to find out about space at the park can contact Peter Bowes on 0191 515 2666 or email stpetersgate@sunderland.ac.uk. The St Peter's Gate website is at http://www.stpetersgate.co.uk Sunderland, University of |
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