A HUGE boost has been given to the future of Chesterford Research Park after investors backed the construction of a new ‘science village’.

The research park, which is based between Great Chesterford and Little Chesterford, has secured funding for a new low-energy development.

The Science Village, which is a joint venture between Aviva Investors and Churchmanor Estates Company plc, has now been put out to tender and it is hoped construction will start later this year.

Director of Churchmanor Estates Company plc, Martin Sylvester, said: “After months of planning we are extremely pleased to be able to move the Science Village development forward and see the investors’ decision to fund the project as a huge vote of confidence in the park and its future.

“There is a distinct lack of high-quality laboratory enabled space of this type within the cluster and we very much see this development as offering a tremendous contribution to filling that gap, encouraging increasing numbers of biotech and R&D companies to bring their capabilities and of course their opportunities to this area.”

The Science Village has been designed to offer flexible laboratory use with possibilities for one occupier taking all 28,000sq ft of space to 16 individual occupiers sharing the facility.

In addition to the Science Village development the park also has planning in place for the 60,000 sq ft GIA Robinson Laboratory.