The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Cheshire & Warrington

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Thornton Science Park
A major research and innovation hub. Formerly the Shell
Technology Centre, it offers a unique blend of industry,
innovation and academia being home to the University of
Chester’s new Faculty of Science and Engineering and the
recently announced Energy Security and Innovation
Observing System for the Subsurface (ESIOS).
Thornton is a centre of excellence for energy systems and
also provides on-site business support for the energy
sector, targeting commercialisation and
internationalisation. Areas of expertise include: energy
storage; energy networks; asset management and
unconventional gas extraction. One of Thornton’s signature
projects is the SMART Grid Demonstrator - a shared facility
to meet the growth needs of the energy sector, allowing
businesses to test new technologies and model energy
usage with combinations of old and new energy sources.
The Thornton Enterprise Zone (EZ) site offers 9.3 ha of
development land and a mix of cleared land and two
buildings that have reached or are reaching the end of their
economic life and are due to be demolished shortly. The
availability of Enhanced Capital Allowances as part of the EZ
could help to quickly crystallise these opportunities and
could make the difference between securing their
commitment and losing them overseas.
The Benefits of Enterprise Zone Status:
• Five-year Business Rate Relief for occupiers of up to
£55,000 per year or first year Enhanced Capital
Allowances dependent upon site
• Clear and supportive planning policy and
streamlined process with dedicated pre-application
advice
• Access to high quality business support
• Commitment to enhance broad band infrastructure
• Closer working with UKTI to attract more foreign
investment
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