Release date: 21 May 2009

Chesterford welcomes UKSPA Members to the Park for two day conference


The versatility of the central Nucleus facilities at Chesterford Research Park was put to the test last week with the arrival of over 70 delegates, all on-site for the UK Science Park Associations (UKSPA) Members Meeting and EGM. 

The meeting which lasted two days incorporated not only the Members EGM but also a number of workshops and symposia, aimed at increasing delegates’ awareness of the latest issues facing our UK Science Parks.

In his opening remarks Martin Sylvestor, Director Churchmanor Estates Plc, joint developers of Chesterford with Aviva Investors was able to give delegates details of the latest development plans currently in train at Chesterford.  The Robinson Laboratory representing the ultimate in flexible design, will provide two separate wings of laboratory space, linked by an elegant atrium designed to house an impressive reception area and a versatile range of meeting rooms.  In addition to which, The Science Village, a forward thinking, low energy building will allow for flexible use as R&D offices and/or laboratory suites, providing one suite of 28,000 sq ft and a further 16 smaller suites ranging from 1,510 sq ft to 1,965 sq ft.

Alan Kersey, Vice President and Site Manager for Illumina’s Chesterford location, then took the floor to give delegates a flavour of the work being carried out at Illumina and their impressions of life at Chesterford Research Park, from a tenants’ perspective.  Illumina Inc, a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of next generation life-science tools for genetic research have expanded their facilities at Chesterford Research Park in 2009, having taken a pre-let of the Gonville Laboratory. (41,500 sq ft of lab space).

With sales of over half a billion US dollars in 2008 and a growth in sales projected for 2009, Illumina joins other Park tenants currently bucking the market trend in the early part of 2009.

When talking about Chesterford as a location for their business Alan said, “The phenomenal infrastructure and facilities available at the Chesterford Research Park make working at this location very enjoyable. The Park has worked with us throughout the formative stages of our company, offering flexible and innovative solutions as our requirements changed and grew.

”The meeting also included a number of workshops, covering a range of topics from the effective marketing of Science Parks to forward thinking laboratory design.

It wasn’t all work however, with the delegates enjoying a drinks reception and wine tasting, sponsored by Carter Jonas, followed by dinner, sponsored by EEDA, at Chilford Hall Vineyard on the first evening, and a Science Tour of Cambridge on the Friday morning.