THE new owners of Alderley Park shared their vision for the future of AstraZeneca’s former R&D site at a celebratory launch event earlier this month.

On May 9, Manchester Science Parks (MSP) shareholders were joined by business and community leaders at a symbolic event that marked the start of the transformation of Alderley Park.

Tatton MP George Osborne acted as keynote speaker at the event and presided over the handing over of Alderley Park from AstraZeneca’s Mene Pangolas to Chris Oglesby, Bruntwood CEO and MSP Chairman.

Speaking after the event, Mr Osborne said: “I was excited to be there for the handover of Alderley Park to Manchester Science Parks. It is great news for local jobs, with lots of new companies setting up there.

“It's also great news for science in the north west of England. A year ago we were faced with a bleak situation - but with a huge amount of teamwork the future is looking much, much brighter.

“It just shows what you can achieve when you roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.”

MSP, who acquired the 400-acre site with majority shareholder Bruntwood in March, revealed its ambition to maintain top quality bioscience as the cornerstone of its commercial strategy, whilst also establishing a ‘vibrant’ community of businesses.

Chris Oglesby said: “Through our acquisition of Alderley Park, we have a unique opportunity to create a diverse innovative community of bioscience which is internationally respected for the quality of its work and as a sustainable business model.

“With our partners and the community of exceptional scientists who choose to remain in the park, we will build a flagship for a vibrant life sciences industry in the North of England.”

Former owners of the site, AstraZeneca, and new owners, MSP, have pledged £10m - £5m each - to the ‘Alderley Park Springboard Fund’ which will be used to support new businesses starting up at the park.