FINANCIAL leaders, university chiefs and councillors have been reacting to RAU plans for a £100 million Innovation Village in Cirencester.
The Royal Agricultural University says the scheme will be a "UK first" for developing sustainable food production solutions.
It has been described as the most significant development in the Cotswolds "in a long time," one that will be "green and beautiful" while also providing an economic boost to Gloucestershire.
The proposed 29-acre site includes new research and education facilities which will address major global challenges, as well as a business and conferencing hospitality facilities.
It will be "green and beautiful"
Dame Fiona Reynolds, chair of the RAU’s governing council said: “We are determined that the Innovation Village will be green and beautiful and, importantly, led by the landscape which inspires us daily.
“As well as benefiting the university, as a global centre for the future of sustainable farming and food production, this will also benefit the people of Cirencester and other local communities.
READ MORE: Plans for a £100m innovation village at Royal Agricultural University
Major economic boost to Gloucestershire
Ruth Dooley, chair of GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership said: “This scheme will be a major boost to the economic development of Gloucestershire.
“This exciting Innovation Village will provide many new job opportunities across a range of subjects.
“Our Inward Investment Team will work closely with the RAU to secure new tenants for this exciting venture."
The biggest development in the Cotswolds "for a long time"
Councillor Tony Dale, Cotswold District Council cabinet member for the economy, said: “Growing the local economy in a sustainable way, and bringing high quality jobs and careers for young people, is a key priority for the Cotswolds.
“We are happy to see this sort of innovative project coming forward in the district.
“This development is the biggest of its type in the district for a very long time and has the potential to add real value to local businesses and residents.”
Project will "hugely benefit" Cirencester and the Cotswolds
Cotswold MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP said: "This is an exciting opportunity for the RAU to use its strategically placed site on the edge of Cirencester to project itself onto the international stage.
"The RAU will partner with a range of green and innovative agricultural and environmental businesses which could lead to a gross development value of the site of up to a million pounds.
"I look forward to working with all the stakeholders on this project to help bolster Government support, to turn the current vision into a reality which will hugely benefit Cirencester and the Cotswolds."
Sustainable architecture
The RAU says it is working with architect Architype with designs that will push boundaries of sustainable architecture with a focus on low carbon transportation and construction will complement the local landscape.
Mark Barry, director at Architype, said: "The Innovation Village is an amazing opportunity to create an exemplary ecological development for the university and wider community.
“We are excited by the potential to enhance biodiversity, revitalise access to the beautiful site and provide a thriving new hub for Cirencester."
Opportunity for innovation
Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for innovation and sustainable investment in the county, particularly in a rural area.
“We are very pleased to support this exciting project and I look forward to supporting it further as it gains momentum.”
The university plans to submit an outline planning application to Cotswold District Council in the summer.
They are planning to engage with the local community and businesses throughout the process with information drop ins and Q&A sessions.
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