Willmott Dixon chosen for Daresbury’s Project Violet

Sci-Tech Daresbury has confirmed the appointment of the contractor to deliver the £15m three-building development, which will offer a total of 42,000 sq ft for science and technology-focused businesses.

The tender for Project Violet was issued as far back as December 2018, approval having been granted that February. The make-up of the buildings will be two blocks of 12,000 sq ft, known as V1 and V2, and a third building offering 18,000 sq ft, called V3. The project also includes landscaping improvements around the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus.

The development is being funded using Enterprise Zone retained business rates and investment from the Sci-Tech Daresbury joint venture. Cornerstone funding is provided by the Chrysalis Fund and the LCR Urban Development Fund, which funds development, regeneration and sustainability projects in the Liverpool city region, supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the 2014-2020 England Operational Programme.

Designed by Seven Architecture, the new complex is situated at the gateway of the campus next to Keckwick Lane and Innovation Way.

John Downes, chief executive of Langtree and chairman of Sci-Tech Daresbury, said: “This appointment marks a key milestone in the development of Sci-Tech Daresbury, and reflects our confidence in both the future of innovative businesses in our region the ongoing need for high quality office space.

“Project Violet will allow us to further deliver our ‘Home for Life’ concept for a new generation of high growth firms at Sci-Tech Daresbury. Tenants join us in different stages of maturity, but the range of facilities and business support services on offer means we’re able to guide them through each step of their journey, from hot desk or hot lab to eventually having their own building on site.

“We’re now home to over 140 companies, including international firms such as IBM Research, and well-known UK businesses looking to establish a strategic Northern base.”

Cllr Rob Polhill, leader of Halton Council, a partner in Sci-Tech Daresbury with Langtree and the Science & Technology Facilities Council, said: “This is good news that is much needed at this time. It is another big step in the continuous development of Sci-Tech Daresbury, providing new accommodation to meet the growing demand from businesses to locate at this award-winning site, and we look forward to the work starting.”

Law firm TLT advised Sci-Tech Daresbury on the construction agreements.

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