Wilton Freeport Development ‘great news for Teesside’

Plans for a significant development on one of Europe’s largest R&D sites have been given the go ahead.

The Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has approved plans for nearly 150,000sq ft of new technical and manufacturing space at the Wilton Centre, in Lazenby, near Redcar, including laboratories and office spaces.

The Wilton Freeport Development, located within the Teesside Freeport, will offer occupiers attractive incentives such as reductions in stamp duty, business rates and National Insurance contributions. 

Managed by Pioneer Group, a leading developer of life science ecosystems which operates a network of 12 campuses across the UK and Ireland, the project aims to create hundreds of new jobs and strengthen the region’s thriving bio-manufacturing and bio-pharmaceutical sectors.

Bosses say the new facilities will include 16 technical development units, a two-storey incubator with 14 fully equipped laboratories and additional office spaces. 

They add that the site’s facilities, including a restaurant, wellbeing centre, lecture theatre and event spaces, will foster a collaborative environment for both start-ups and established companies.

Toby Reid, executive director of Pioneer Group, said: “Companies at the Wilton Centre are tackling a range of issues from difficult to recycle materials to removing fossil fuels from manufacturing processes. 

“The new development will allow more companies like these to get started and scale their processes in purpose built facilities, creating jobs and ultimately positively impacting the health of our planet.”

Steve Duffield, Wilton Centre site director, added: “This is great news for Teesside, the Centre and the scientists, researchers and support staff who will hopefully be working here in the not too distant future. 

“The Wilton Centre is celebrating its 50th birthday this year and while we’re looking back at the great times here, we’re also looking forward to a very exciting future as these plans become reality.” 

The new development follows a study by the CPI and Square One Law that highlighted a critical shortage of laboratory space in the North East, as well as a recent announcement that the Wilton Centre was making available nearly 6000sq ft of lab space and 2000sq ft of office accommodation. 

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