UK: Marine Science Park Creates Business Growth Opportunities

Construction of the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) has begun at Dunstaffnage near Oban, which will offer commercial space for businesses at one of the world’s leading sites for marine research and development.

The 20,000 square feet building will be available by the end of 2012, with further developments planned over the coming decade.

The Park is offering high-quality, flexible laboratory and office space at one of the world’s leading sites for marine research and development. New and expanding businesses can join an outstanding marine community which boasts over 40 years of academic and commercial expertise.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is investing £7.5 million to create the first phase of the project – which will take advantage of significant opportunities in marine science, marine biotechnology and renewable energy.

International centre of exellence

The new facilities will support businesses in Scotland’s growing life sciences and energy sectors and has the potential to support up to 125 jobs.

The development site is already an internationally recognised centre of excellence for marine science – the Scottish Marine Institute being home to the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS), and the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology (ECMB).

These provide marine science research and education as well as incubation space for new and growing businesses.

Investor support

HIE Area Manager Douglas Cowan said: “The Marine Science Park is designed to build on the cluster of activities already happening in the area. The building is the first phase and our vision is to have two others like it in the next ten years. We’ve got specific expertise in this part of the Highlands and Islands through the SAMS.

“HIE and Scottish Development International (SDI) can offer a whole range of support for clients wanting to locate here. The area itself offers a fantastic quality of life and is a great place to live and work. Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland and is the gateway to the Isles.

“This Marine Science Park will put Argyll and the wider Highlands and Islands at the cutting edge of activity in marine science. We have already got interest from a number of businesses both in the biotechnology field but also in marine biomass which has real opportunity for growth in the future.“

Ken Jones, Deputy Director at SAMS said: “Tenants who locate to the new European Marine Science Park have the benefit of having access to the expertise and the specialists in scientific facilities located at SAMS which will include access to a fully fitted marine aquarium where marine organisms can be cultivated and access to the skills and expertise of the staff.”

The facilities will be of particular interest to start-up businesses, spin-outs and SMEs who are interested in the combination of an outstanding marine environment with world-class scientific research.

Small companies and start-ups will benefit from the services offered in the ECMB while phase 1 of the Science Park will provide high quality flexible space for expanding companies.

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Subsea World News Staff, May 24, 2012; Image: SAMS