Aberystwyth University plans for agri-tech hub

Aberystwyth University, together with the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus has submitted plans to Ceredigion County Council for a new agri-tech hub. Based on Aberystwyth University’s Gogerddan campus, the £40.5m AIEC development will feature a bio-refining centre, future food centre, analytical science laboratories and a seed processing and biobank facility. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and by Aberystwyth University, the AIEC will provide facilities and expertise to create solutions for the agri-tech industry. It will build on existing facilities within Aberystwyth University, working closely with the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences. One of the existing buildings on the Gogerddan site has already been refurbished and provides over 3,000 sq ft of rentable office accommodation. The facility has been modernised to cater specifically for companies wishing to co-locate with leading researchers in the biosciences and agri-tech sectors. Construction is proposed to start mid-2017 subject to consent and is expected to take two years to complete. Cushman & Wakefield advised on planning. • To send feedback, e-mail shekha.vyas@estatesgazette.com or tweet @ShekhaV or @estatesgazette