Land deal paves the way for clean tech centre of excellence
Energy storage firm GivEnergy has acquired land to develop a North Staffordshire hub for clean tech start-ups.
The currently disused site on Parkhouse Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, the currently disused site will host 11-12 start-up units for clean tech entrepreneurs which could create several hundred green jobs in the area.
Plans form part of GivEnergy’s ongoing drive to make North Staffordshire a centre of excellence for net-zero technologies. By working with Keele and Staffordshire Universities, GivEnergy is hoping to boost local manufacturing to cement the area as a global green leader.
GivEnergy will also consider angel investments in promising local ventures, helping them scale and potentially integrate into GivEnergy’s supply chain.
The proposed start-up hub has been planned and agreed with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. It will offer flexible leasing terms to start-ups, giving local innovators the space and support they need to grow.
Jason Howlett, Global CEO at GivEnergy, explains: “Our acquisition of the Parkhouse Road site is a significant milestone in GivEnergy’s mission to support and nurture the next generation of clean tech innovators. By creating a dedicated hub for start-ups, we aim to accelerate the development of technologies that will play a crucial role in achieving a net zero future.
“This isn’t just an investment in property. It’s also an investment in the future of Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire. From its pottery-led legacy, we’re committed to putting the area back on the map for world-leading industry – particularly in the critical net zero tech space.”
It has also acquired a former NatWest bank next to the site that will become a food venue to service the wider Parkhouse industrial estate.
With this latest land acquisition, GivEnergy has the necessary space required to create its full, planned green start-up hub development. Plans will be submitted to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in the coming months after local architects finalise a site layout for the Parkhouse Road development.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to see GivEnergy’s continuing investment in the borough, particularly in a project that so closely aligns with the Council’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“The demand for clean technology is only going to increase and this exciting investment will connect with universities and encourage business start-ups in the sector with the potential of creating hundreds of well-paid jobs in our community.”
