Goodman, UKAEA and STFC link up to establish world-leading location for science and innovation

~ Twenty-year joint venture at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus will attract investment through research facilities, infrastructure development and private sector interest ~

~ 5,000 knowledge-based jobs to be created in the science and innovation sector ~

Government science and innovation investment received a major boost today with the announcement of a joint venture that will see the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus develop into one of the world's principal locations for scientific, academic and business collaboration.

Science and Innovation Minister, Ian Pearson, confirmed the government's support for the new public-private partnership comprising the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and international property group Goodman. The partnership will run the Oxfordshire campus in a 50:50 joint venture.

Under the agreement, UKAEA will provide land at Harwell for development and an existing business base. STFC will contribute involvement in major public sector science programmes and a proactive approach to ensuring fundamental research can be harnessed and exploited by innovators, entrepreneurs and industry. Goodman will offer market access to global businesses and expertise in long-term property ownership, development and management, as well as providing working capital for the joint venture.

Investment at the campus will encompass fundamental scientific research and the development of property, facilities and local infrastructure. A minimum of 100,000 sq m of laboratory, high technology industrial and office accommodation will be developed in the first 20 year phase of the project. Up to 5,000 high value knowledge-based jobs are also expected to be created.

This vision for the campus, originally set out in 2006 by former Science Minister Lord Sainsbury, is a key part of the Government's ten-year UK Science and Innovation Investment Framework. The joint venture approach will enable it to benefit from public sector access to global scientific communities, research programmes and facilities, alongside Goodman's commercial expertise.

Commenting on the joint venture, Ian Pearson said, "The Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is already home to some of the world's most prestigious research facilities, including ISIS and the Diamond Light Source. This joint venture will see Harwell continue to build on its 60 year history and further strengthen its position as a renowned base for world-class research infrastructure and innovative businesses, in the future. This is an ambitious project, but the joint venture has the potential to make Harwell the UK equivalent of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in terms of size and scope, it's an exciting prospect."

Jim Johnston, managing director of UK Business Parks at Goodman said, "Goodman is a leader in the development and management of business and science space, and has an excellent track record of fostering collaboration between businesses, research organisations and universities. We are excited about helping Harwell Science and Innovation Campus become an open and interactive community, with a global reputation for science and innovation excellence."

Speaking on behalf of the UKAEA, CEO Norman Harrison said, "Developing the campus over the years has been both challenging and rewarding. This joint venture will help to unlock Harwell's full potential over the coming years, putting it at the very forefront of global science and innovation."

Prof Keith Mason, STFC Chief Executive said, "The investment being made by the joint venture partners into developing Harwell Science and Innovation Campus will have a significant and positive influence on science and technology in the UK. This model of scientific, academic and business collaboration, also implemented at Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus in Cheshire, will help demonstrate the impact that investment in science-related sectors can have on the national economy."

Minister for Energy, Malcolm Wicks, said, "Harwell's historic site is now being decommissioned by the UKAEA and transformed to play an equally significant role in supporting the future of science and innovation in the UK."

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Notes to editors

Contacts

• Will Spratt
  Goodman
  Tel: +44 (0)20 7072 4061
  
  
• Pete Sigrist
  Goodman
  Tel: +44 (0)20 7072 4145
  
  
• Alex Eeles
  UKAEA
  Tel: +44 (0)20 7072 4149
  
  
• Natalie Bealing
  STFC Press Office
  Tel: +44 (0)1235 445 484
  
  
• Rhys Stacker
  DIUS
  Tel: +44 (0)20 3300 8105

About Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group is an integrated property group with operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom.

Goodman Group, comprised of the stapled entities Goodman International Limited and Goodman Industrial Trust, has a market capitalisation of approximately € 4.3 billion (approximately A$ 7.4 billion - as at 31 March 2008), making it the largest industrial property group listed on Australian Stock Exchange and the second largest listed specialist fund manager of industrial and business park assets globally.

Goodman's integrated own-develop-manage customer service philosophy ensures its customers receive an end-to-end solution to their property requirements. With 1,300 staff and 37 offices in 18 countries, Goodman has the global reach to meet customers' needs as their businesses expand or evolve. In Europe, Goodman has offices in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Turkey.

About UKAEA

UKAEA has more than 50 years experience in nuclear site management, dealing with some of the nuclear industry's oldest and most complex facilities. It is responsible for all phases of site restoration, from programme planning, facility decommissioning, waste management and land remediation, through to release for regeneration. Since April 2005, UKAEA has worked under contract to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) leading the clean-up of its former nuclear research sites at Dounreay, Harwell and Winfrith. It also carries out the national fusion research programme at Culham, managing the international JET facility there - the world's leading fusion research project.

About Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)

DIUS is responsible for the development, funding and performance management of the science and research base across the UK. DIUS funds the seven Research Councils, including STFC, which allocate public funds to support research projects and teams.On 14 July 2008 DIUS announced almost £400m in funding through its Large Facilities Capital Fund. Around £156.4m of this is earmarked for Harwell, including £92.5m to complete the third phase of the Diamond Light Source and £25m to complete ISIS, the world's leading neutron source.

New projects at Harwell were also announced, including the £50m imaging solutions centre and £30m for a new detector systems centre which will be based at both Harwell and the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus.

For more information on this announcement, please visit the DIUS website (link opens in a new window).

About STFC