Plans revealed for Leicester space park

Plans for a £75M space park in Leicester have been released by the city’s University.

University of Leicester bosses are seeking people’s views on the major research and teaching complex, which is planned on the banks of the River Soar on the former John Ellis School site.

Known as Space Park Leicester, it will carry out research in space and Earth observation, and train space scientists of the future.

It is estimated that 2,500 jobs will be created at the park which will contribute £850M a year to East Midlands’ economy.

It will include buildings designed for research and innovation, industrial-academic co-working, and teaching and learning.

A state-of-the-art facility would also allow for the assembling and testing of satellites.

Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I am confident that Space Park Leicester will be a major asset to the city and Leicester’s Waterside and it will help to regenerate this currently unused site.

“This is a huge opportunity to make Leicester the UK capital of space-related research, innovation and skills development.”