Final revisions to Wasdell’s application for a Science Park at Inlands Farm, Wanborough, that will enable it to increase its contribution to the pharmaceutical, medical supplies and healthcare industries have been submitted.
If approved, the Science Park will create at least 600 additional jobs within the Swindon economy with Europe’s largest independent manufacturing and packaging supplier to the pharmaceutical, medical and healthcare industries.
After examining 65 possible sites around Swindon, Inlands Farm is the only site that meets the specific needs of the Wasdell Group.
- 15 minutes’ drive of Junction 15 of the M4
- 15 minutes’ drive from Swindon town centre to allow retention of the majority of Wasdell’s current staff
- minimum of 35 hectares to allow for continued growth
- the site must also be currently available and owned by, or in the control of, one landowner.
The planning application consists of two main elements.
- Phase 1 is detailed, seeking full consent for the Wasdell facility, comprising land use class B1c, parking, landscaping, drainage and green infrastructure.
- Phase 2 is outline, seeking consent to demolish buildings, and a further phase of land use class B1c and B1b.
Wasdell Group Chairman Martin Tedham, whose family work in the company and live locally, said: “The Government has stated that the life sciences industry must play a crucial role in the future national economy, and there are considerable opportunities for our local and regional economy if as a town we embrace the life sciences and collaborate on R&D and investment.
“Recent events have brought home the importance of the pharmaceutical and medical devices supply chain. Wasdell is playing active role in the fight against the spread of coronavirus and patient testing in a bid to treat COVID-19. Lay people now understand the need for the few companies like ours that hold Specials Licences to provide support for the rapid testing of drugs in small-batch trials, and in the manufacture and production of products including often life-saving intravenous systems.
“We work in industries that are literally vital to us all, and I am proud of the contribution that my colleagues are making, and the Science Park will ensure that we can continue to innovate and grow the considerable offer that we have.”
Head of Planning South East at Turley, Peter Lawson said: “This is a hugely important project which we’re delighted to be leading upon. The cutting edge facilities to be provided at the new Swindon Science Park will provide a huge boost to the local and regional economy, creating jobs and growth at a time when the importance of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries cannot be overstressed.”
