Fareham Innovation Centre opening

Government backing business at Solent Enterprise Zone

Posted on 26 March 2015 · Posted in News

Businesses moving to the Solent Enterprise Zone are set to benefit from new state-of-the-art offices and workshops thanks to Government funding.

The £5.3 million Fareham Innovation Centre will provide space for companies working in the marine, aviation and aerospace fields when it opens its doors next month, creating 150 new jobs.

The Innovation Centre has been funded by the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency, which is working with local partners to bring thousands of new jobs and investment to the Enterprise Zone.

Companies are already moving into the building, which was officially handed over to Fareham Borough Council today (Thursday 26 March).

Local Growth Minister Penny Mordaunt said: “The Solent Enterprise Zone is going from strength to strength and the opening of the Fareham Innovation Centre is the latest part of that success story.  It really is a state-of-the-art facility and I’m not surprised that tenants are already moving in. These companies know that Enterprise Zones are great places to do business and that we are committed to supporting growth through our long-term economic plan. It’s why we’ve invested more than £5 million to get this Innovation Centre off the ground, giving local businesses the facilities they need to create jobs for hard-working people.”

The Solent Enterprise Zone is building a deserved reputation as a centre for excellence for engineering.

It is already home to the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Advanced Skills Training, which is providing hundreds of students with the skills they need to carve out a successful career.

It is estimated that around 3,500 jobs will be created within the Enterprise Zone over the life of the business hub, turning the area into a destination of choice for advanced manufacturing and technology businesses.