The project will help create around 950 jobs in the Newport area
Infrastructure work has been commenced on a new agri-tech research and innovation hub on the edge of Newport (Credit: Telford & Wrekin Council)
UK-based Telford & Wrekin Council announced that the infrastructure work is underway to support a new agri-tech research and innovation hub on the edge of Newport.
Ni-Park, a crucial element of the Newport Innovation and Enterprise Package (NIEP), received £6.36m funding from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership as part of the Local Growth Fund and equated by investment from Telford & Wrekin Council.
Marches Local Enterprise Partnership chair Mandy Thorn said: “Ni-Park is a LEP supported project which will really put our region on the map.
“Not only is it a flagship development in the agri-tech sector nationally, it has tangible benefits for our businesses and our regional economic growth.”
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty manages works on the Ni-Park
The infrastructure group Balfour Beatty is responsible for the works on the Ni-Park. The project, which will create around 950 jobs, will help enhance economic activities in Newport and the local area.
Harper Adams University’s continued development and its successful agri-tech research programme and Agri-Engineering and Precision Farming Centre for Innovation helped to create an opportunity to generate high-value jobs in the Newport area through the formation of a cluster of high tech businesses on the new innovation site.
The site will also help improve supply chain opportunities and growth in the sector to boost economic benefits across the whole Borough.
The Government’s Department for International Trade identified the site as an international focus for new foreign inward investment.
Telford & Wrekin Council Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and Harper Adams University are supporting the development of the new site.
The project has started with highway works on the A518 that are expected to be completed by December this year.
Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for the Borough Economy councillor Lee Carter said: “Ni-Park is set to put Telford and the UK at the forefront of high efficiency agriculture and I am delighted that work is about to begin.
“It will bring together agricultural and technical companies enabling industry experts to collaborate on and commercialise new technologies.