Science park seeks joint venture partner for £35m 'Digital Plaza'

A science park owned by Birmingham City Council is seeking a joint venture partner to undertake development of a proposed £35m ‘Digital Plaza’.

Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA) is planning the development next to its flagship Faraday Wharf building.

The Digital Plaza will comprise four state-of-the-art buildings, and is intended to function as a specialist hub for technology companies.

Following a visit to BSPA, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Birmingham Science Park Aston shows how start-ups can be actively supported, physically and virtually, to become successful businesses in the high-growth technology sector. It’s great to see the Park driving forward creativity, innovation and business excellence here in Birmingham.”

BSPA is looking for a partner to undertake funding and investment, design, development, construction, facility operation and management for the scheme, which is expected to cover over 100,000ft².

Interested bidders have until Friday 23 December 2011 to submit their proposals.

The Enterprise Zone designation of the site may enable the project to benefit from an accelerated planning process, as well as Business Rates relief.

Subject to planning, construction work could commence speculatively on the first building by September 2012.