The project marks the next stage of development, Project Violet, at Sci-Tech Daresbury, the location for high-tech business and leading-edge science
The Project Violet building will comprise 42,000 sq ft of speculative-grade A office and innovation space, coupled with the highest energy efficiency standards, for dynamic, forward-thinking science and technology-focused businesses.
The project will encompass two buildings (V2 and V3) providing 12,000 sq ft each and one building (V1) of 18,000 sq ft.
Each building will provide floor plates of around 4,100 to 6,150 sq ft and as part of the work there will be major landscaping improvements around the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus.
This project is expected to create hundreds of jobs
Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We are proud to be underway on this exciting project, one that will be a catalyst for growth and a hive of excitement for so many innovative businesses of all sizes.
“We believe in delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations; Project Violet is a project that supports every one of those goals and we are committed to investing with local chain partners wherever possible as well creating new local employment opportunities.”
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, commented: “Our region is very lucky to have Sci-Tech Daresbury, home to some world-leading businesses and research organisations who are doing some incredible work in the fields of science, technology and industries of the future.
“We’ve invested £8.4m to help the site continue to grow and succeed and to ensure that we’re able to offer the world-class facilities to keep attracting new businesses and jobs to the area.
“Retaining as many businesses, jobs and investment as possible, while attracting more will be really important in helping our region recover from the economic effects of this pandemic, but we’re already making a start.”
John Downes, chief executive officer of Langtree and chairman of Sci-Tech Daresbury, added: “The groundbreaking ceremony and funding confirmation mark two important milestones for not just Project Violet but also the development of the wider campus.
“These new buildings are a pivotal addition to the site and will allow us to provide a home for more innovative businesses of all different sizes, from dynamic start-ups to established global firms.
“We’re currently seeing strong demand for workspace from businesses developing products and services that will help the economy forward in years to come, and we’re therefore proud to continue to develop our site to cater to this requirement.
“We’re very appreciative of the Mayor and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority for their support in helping us take the project forward.”
The project is set to complete by the end of 2021 and is expected to create or support 332 full-time equivalent jobs.
