Skylark Conference Centre has officially opened at Westcott Venture Park.
Business leaders gathered to launch the centre, a landmark building in the transformation of the 650-acre business park, on Friday, January 16.
The event was opened by Countess Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and among the dignitaries included Greg Smith, MP for Mid Buckinghamshire and Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency,
A panel discussion followed including representatives from Protolaunch, Nammo, Skyports Drone Services (Skyports), Satellite Applications Catapult, and the University of Sheffield.
The 16,000 sq ft Skylark, which includes a large café and office suites of between 1,000 sq ft and 5,500 sq ft, is part of a major development programme backed by UK Space Agency funding, which was secured by a collaborative bid led by URA Thrusters and including PATRIZIA (Westcott owners), Buckinghamshire Counciland Skyports Drone Services.
Dr Paul Bate said: “This world-class facility will provide companies with access to cutting-edge testing infrastructure that was previously unavailable in this country, helping them to scale up and compete globally.”
Leader of Buckinghamshire Council Cllr Steven Broadbent said: “The opening of the Skylark represents a significant achievement for Westcott and the wider Enterprise Zone. This development has already attracted considerable interest from businesses seeking to establish themselves within this world-leading centre of excellence.
“The facilities will be instrumental in attracting new talent and investment to the region whilst providing a platform for innovation and growth across our key economic sectors.”
URA Thrusters and drone services provider Skyports Drone Services have taken space at Phase 1 of the development along with Westcott Shared Facilities, which provide technical facilities for use by industry, academia and students.
Industrial space will soon be available at the neighbouring Orbis9000 scheme. Six units ranging from 2,734 sq ft to 17,987 sq ft arranged in two terraces are available to pre-let and will be ready for occupation in March 2026.
Nigel MacKenzie, development manager for Westcott, said: “The successful opening of the Skylark marks a pivotal moment in Westcott’s evolution. We recognise the unique sense of place and spirit of collaboration that exists here among our space community, and these exceptional facilities will elevate that spirit of working together.
“By bringing together inspiring workspaces, quality amenities and versatile meeting facilities, the Skylark creates an environment where our growing cluster of companies can innovate and thrive as they take the next steps in their growth.”
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