Leicester’s Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone continues to develop as the latest Dock extension project continues to take shape.
New sustainable buildings – known as Docks 3, 4 and 5 – are being delivered by Brackley Property Developments on behalf of Leicester City Council.
When complete, the development will create around 4,000 square metres of new high-quality office space for up to 45 businesses.
The development will also include a terrace of nine manufacturing units, providing more than 2,000 square metres of space.
A range of energy efficiency measures will mean the new buildings will be net carbon zero.
These include roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, super insulation, and low-energy LED lighting.
The new buildings will require no gas heating. Meanwhile, 12 chargers will be installed for electric vehicles in a new parking area.
Speaking earlier this year Andy Reed OBE, LLEP Co-Chair, said:
Investing in creating a sustainable ecosystem for regional businesses is at the heart of our Economic Growth Strategy. The high occupancy rate at the existing Dock buildings gives us great confidence that dozens more exciting new businesses will move into these new energy-efficient workspaces when they open next year.
The £16.5million Dock project is supported by £12million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is also providing £4.5million towards the project from Enterprise Zone retained business rates.
The scheme is part of Space City Leicester, one of the largest and most connected Enterprise Zones for space-related activities in the UK.
It will be home to space research, production, manufacture and development as well as non-space related knowledge economy businesses, those working towards decarbonisation, innovative start-ups and established businesses looking for grow on space.
Work is due to be completed in April 2024.