Plans lodged for Alderley Park life science hub

PLANS have been submitted for a development at Alderley Park aimed at securing its future as a world-class life science facility.

The outline application has been handed in to Cheshire East Council following public consultation orchestrated by owners Bruntwood and Manchester Science Partnership.

MSP chief executive Rowena Burns said: “The planning application, if approved, would see the creation of a long-term internationally important bio science campus, adapting the facilities at Alderley Park to accommodate a community of large and small, regional, national and international life science companies.

“From the public consultations that we have held, it is clear that Alderley Park has played an important role in many people’s lives over the years and we have had a lot of interest in the proposals.

“It is encouraging that the response the proposals have received from the local community has been very positive. People want to see a successful future for Alderley Park, which builds on its achievements and international reputation.”

MSP says a significant investment is needed to secure an exciting new future for Alderley Park as an independent, self-sustaining, world-class Life Science hub.

The scheme provides 410,0000 sq ft of new space for life sciences in addition to more than a million sq ft of space for life sciences already in place and could in time, secure 7,000 jobs in the future.

It aims to deliver up to 275 new homes (some of which may be retirement homes) in a high quality living environment, capturing the heritage and characteristics of the former country estate and parkland setting. The housing will help to pump prime the necessary investment required for the science campus.

Alongside the housing a new village hub will offer complementary uses such as a shop, gastro pub and hotel.

As part of the proposals sport and recreation facilities will be open to the public for the first time. The local community will be able to use the existing footpaths, woodland and heritage parkland, which will create links to the surrounding public footpath and bridleway network through National Trust land around Alderley Edge.

The planning application has been submitted on behalf of Bruntwood/MSP by Manchester-based planning consultants HOW Planning.

The science campus has been designed by BDP Architects, with the south campus vision created by Altrincham-based, Planit IE. Vectos have provided advice on highways and transport, while stakeholder and community engagement firm, Resolve Public Affairs has assisted MSP through the consultation with the local community.

Gary Halman, partner at HOW Planning: “We have been working on these plans for many months to ensure that what is being proposed for Alderley Park is relevant to the changing social and economic climate.

“Our client is seeking to create a world-class development, providing a comprehensive mix of residential and commercial elements to better reflect the needs of today and tomorrow, all aimed at securing the future of Alderley Park as a major economic driver for the region.”