The North East Technology Park (NETPark) celebrated its 20th anniversary on 5th September and the occasion was marked with an event held in one of the Phase 3 extension’s new units.
Representatives of NETPark businesses, Durham County Council, and the North East Combined Authority were among those in attendance.
Born from a clear strategic vision and developed and delivered in partnership, NETPark has established itself as one of the UK’s leading science, engineering and technology parks.
It is currently home to more than 40 pioneering companies employing more than 700 people.
NETPark-based companies are developing cutting-edge products that help people live healthier lives, keep people safe, generate sustainable energy and more.
Cllr Hopgood said: “Twenty years ago, when the council took the bold decision to allocate land to establish a science park in County Durham, the vision was for NETPark to become a global hub for engineering, science and technology-based companies.
“It’s certainly achieved that, and the county is reaping the benefits now as NETPark’s success has brought hundreds of higher-skilled, high-value jobs. The 20th anniversary has given us an opportunity to celebrate that success and thank all of the partners and businesses that have made it possible.
“It’s a success based on harnessing the skills and knowledge base of our advanced manufacturing heritage and bringing them together with the research capabilities of a world-class university. The combination of those things makes for a unique and world-class offer.
“We’re now investing £100million to expand NETPark and this will take things to a new level, bringing another wave of high-value jobs. The new units are attracting major interest, while enabling us to retain growing companies like Filtronic in County Durham so they can realise their ambitions here and not somewhere else.
“All in all, we expect the expansion will unlock over 285,000 sq ft of new lab and scale-up production space and create up to 1,250 high-value jobs on site along with a further 2,200 jobs in wider supply chains.”
Earlier this year, NETPark was confirmed as a Growth Site in the North East Investment Zone as part of the £4.2billion devolution deal.
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said: “NETPark has become a driving force for attracting national and international businesses in Durham and the North East, demonstrating our reputation as a fantastic place to live, work and do business.
“As Mayor, I will back NETPark, and the whole of County Durham, so we create more jobs, attract businesses and investment and create real opportunity for local people. As a Combined Authority we are investing in NETPark through our Investment Zone, creating over 1,200 high skill, high-paid jobs, building amazing new lab and production spaces for businesses to grow; and adding over £600million to the North East’s economy.
“We have spades in the ground, with infrastructure and enabling works already underway. From semi-conductors to the next generation in space technology, we can create a very bright future for NETPark, County Durham and our great North East.”
