A major expansion of Keele University’s Science & Innovation Park has reached a key milestone in its development after receiving backing from senior leaders from across North Staffordshire.
The proposed Keele Innovation District, which could contribute £1 billion annually to the local economy and support 13,000 jobs, was presented this week at the UK’s largest development and place-making event, the Real Estate and Investment Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds.
Proposals outline expanding the existing park into a neighbouring site as part of a wider mixed-use district.
Work is underway to formalise partnerships and prepare detailed delivery plans.
Keele’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Shakesheff led a senior delegation to present a further developed masterplan at UKREiiF, alongside officers from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and Staffordshire County Council.
He said: “Our Science and Innovation Park is a great example of how academia and industry can co-exist for mutual benefits; businesses can access the latest academic research, innovations, and a pipeline of graduate talent, while our researchers and students can work with industry leaders at the top of their fields on the problems that matter most to them.
“With Keele Innovation District this relationship will be even more significant and coupled with the benefits for the wider region this has the potential to be a truly transformative project.
“I am pleased that our local authority partners share this optimism and look forward to working with them to bring this project to fruition over the years ahead.”
It is estimated that the expansion will take between 20 and 25 years to complete, although preparatory work is currently underway and the first phase could begin within the next two to three years.
Leaders from the three local authorities have welcomed plans for the project, describing it as a major opportunity for economic growth, skills development and job creation.
