Major extension to Space City could create 270 jobs

Work is set to begin on a new £16.5m workspace development at Space City Leicester which is expected to create 270 jobs once complete.

Leicester City Council is working in partnership with Brackley Property Developments to expand the existing Dock and Dock 2 workspaces at the £233m site, which was officially launched earlier this month.

The plans include a pair of new office buildings and nine purpose-built manufacturing units, all of which will be net carbon zero in operation.

The new additions will provide space for 45 businesses.

The scheme is being supported by £13m from the Government’s Levelling Up fund and an additional £3.5m from the the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Construction will get underway next month and take around 12 months to complete.

Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Space City Leicester has put our city firmly on the map for research, production and manufacture in the space industry.

“We’re proud to build on that momentum by further expanding our innovative Dock workspace hub with three new, low carbon buildings which will help meet demand from businesses keen to locate here from the UK and overseas. The new buildings will also provide valuable grow-on space and much-needed manufacturing facilities for our local talent and high-tech entrepreneurs.”

Neil McGhee, LLEP board member and Low Carbon Champion, said: “This new R&D workspace will support the growth of high-tech businesses and help to create 270 jobs at the heart of Space City Leicester.

“Occupancy rates at existing Dock buildings demonstrate the strong demand for this type of facility and this project will meet that by providing additional quality space which is developed with a clear focus on low carbon.”