Cambridge science park

• Science park


  • Group of science and technological knowledge-based businesses located on a single site
  • Over 100 sites in the UK
  • 75,000 people work in these parks
  • Many have links with universities so universities can access facilities and provide graduate links
  • Large area of land occupied by a cluster of businesses
  • Usually located on the edge of towns because land is cheaper, room for extensions, and easy access from nearby motorways helping commuters
• Why is the science park located in Cambridge?

  • Good transport links - located off the M11 and two major A roads which helps commuters access the site
  • Encourages sustainable commuting to work through the Travel Plans Plus (TP) which encourages walking from the train station (12 minutes away) and using regular buses that go directly to the science park
  • Has covered and safe cycle ways so people can cycle in a safe and dry route
  • Has multiple showers if commuters need them
  • 22% of workers cycle everyday
  • Has links with Cambridge University to help encourage research and provide an educated workforce
• Companies in the science park

  • BEKO - global engineering and research company that develop white goods like washing machines and fridges to make them more efficient
  • PSYDMICS - research company that looks at mental health, focusing on prevention, diagnosis and early intervention
  • WORLDPAY LTD - develop global payment technology, work around the world and can process 50% of global GDP, have over 400,000 customers
• Why companies want to operate in this science park

  • The Trinity Centre is specially designed for companies to hold conferences to help share knowledge and ideas, which helps businesses develop
  • Has a restaurant to provide food to workers, conference participants and for meetings, providing essential services and encouraging people to have conferences to share ideas
  • All buildings have 30-45% dedicated to green spaces, which helps the environment as trees absorb CO2 and give out oxygen, and can improve quality of life for workers
  • Has a gym and childcare service on site, which can save workers time due to its close proximity and improves quality of life
  • The products these companies research and develop are high value and boost the economy, which can be invested to fund more research or to encourage development of infrastructure like more sustainable cycle routes in the city
  • These companies employ many people, often paying above average wages which helps them get more disposable income, encouraging more items being purchased and more tax being generated for the government
  • This economic growth causes a positive multiplier effect both locally and nationally
• Positive multiplier effect: more people move into the area, house prices improve, services improve, new industry attracts more money into the region, local businesses improve