THE latest phase of Sci-Tech's Daresbury's expansion has been hailed a huge success with news its new buildings are already 80 per cent full.

Project Violet was completed in February and consisted of three new buildings with a combined floor space of 43,000 sq ft. Work began on the £17.8m project during the height of the pandemic when many construction projects were on hold.

But despite the impact of Covid on the wider sector, work commenced and the buildings are already at 80 per cent capacity - a fact recently hailed by Halton Council leader Mike Wharton during a meeting of Full Council.

John Downes, chief executive officer of Langtree and director of Sci-Tech Daresbury, said: "We remained steadfast in the belief that our ambitious plans for propelling science and technology forward in our region though investing in quality laboratory and office space would fulfil a critical unmet need."

Project Violet is expected to create or support 332 full-time equivalent jobs and is supported by £8.4m cornerstone funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, consisting of a £2.5m loan from the Urban Development Fund, together with £5.9m from the Combined Authority’s Chrysalis Fund.

Last December, planning approval was also granted by Halton Borough Council for project Ultraviolet, which is located next to Project Violet and forms the next phase of development at the site. Ultraviolet will comprise a further 180,000 sq ft of Grade A office and laboratory space.

Mr Downes added: "That these three spectacular buildings are at over 80% capacity vindicates our strategy, and also reflects why we are looking to expand further with Ultraviolet. The remarkable take up we have seen has been driven by both the arrival of leading international firms and existing campus companies scaling up." 

He said the success of the campus was not just 'good news for science and technology' in this country, but for the local community.

He added: "Every day we are bringing new jobs and investment into our region. "At this time of economic uncertainty we are more committed than ever to showcase Halton as a fantastic place where individuals and businesses can all achieve their potential.”