Driving technological transformation
Based in County Durham, the North East Technology Park (NETPark) is a hub of innovation, driving advancements across industries and supporting economic growth. Over the past 20 years, NETPark has demonstrated the power of vision and collaboration, becoming one of the UK’s leading science and technology hubs. With a £100 million expansion underway and its role as a catalyst for pioneering advancements in sectors such as space technology, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, NETPark continues to shine as a driving force for regional and global progress.
January 13, 2025
A vision realised
Two decades ago, the decision to allocate land for a science park in County Durham was met with ambition and a forward-thinking mindset.
NETPark is home to more than 40 innovative companies, employing in excess of 700 people and driving regional economic growth.
It has brought together a unique combination of academic excellence, industry expertise and a thriving business community to create an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation.
Councillor Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, says: “Twenty years ago, when the council took the bold decision to allocate land to establish a science park in County Durham, the vision was for NETPark to become a global hub for engineering, science and technology-based companies.
“It has certainly achieved that, and the county is reaping the benefits now as NETPark’s success has brought hundreds of higher-skilled, high- value jobs.”
Milestones and future growth
This year marks a major milestone with the completion of NETPark’s £100 million Phase 3 expansion.
Opening in 2025, the development adds 285,000sq ft of advanced facilities, including laboratories, offices and production spaces.
This new chapter will enable NETPark to attract more businesses, create up to 1250 on-site jobs and support an additional 2200 roles across supply chains.
Among the first to benefit from this growth is Filtronic, a specialist in radio frequency and microwave technologies.
The company, already a NETPark tenant, is doubling its operational footprint with a custom- built headquarters in the new development.
This expansion supports its growing partnership with SpaceX, supplying critical components for the Starlink satellite constellation.
Michael Tyerman, Filtronic’s chief financial officer, says: “We opted to stay at NETPark due to its modern infrastructure, the presence of innovative and like-minded companies and the flexibility it provides for scaling our operations.
“The new facility expands our manufacturing and office space, as well as upgrading test facilities.
“It will support the continued development of our leading-edge products and enable us to scale capacity to meet growing customer demand.”
Filtronic’s move to phase three unlocks more than 17,000sq ft of existing laboratory and office space to support new and smaller businesses joining NETPark’s supportive community – nurturing the next generation of businesses in key regional sectors.
A hub for innovation across industries
NETPark has established itself as a hub for businesses driving advancements across a range of sectors.
From space technology to sustainable energy, the park’s tenants are tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Companies at NETPark drive advancements in telecommunications, clean energy, photonics and advanced materials, supported by cutting- edge facilities and a collaborative environment.
Companies pioneer next-generation satellite communication systems, advanced energy storage materials and photonic technologies that improve safety and efficiency.
This diversity underscores NETPark’s role as a hub for transformative technologies that impact industries globally.
The power of collaboration
A cornerstone of NETPark’s success lies in its collaborative ecosystem.
Partnerships with Durham University and innovation centres like CPI accelerate product development and commercialisation.
The park also offers a flexible approach to space, enabling businesses to scale operations without disruption, from incubator units to larger standalone facilities.
NETPark’s expansion reflects its commitment to evolving with the needs of its tenants.
The new facilities will cater to industries ranging from biosciences to clean energy, ensuring companies have the tools they need to grow and thrive.
Regional impact and global reach
The impact of NETPark extends beyond its immediate community.
With excellent connectivity to regional hubs and global markets, the park has become a magnet for national and international investment.
It plays a pivotal role in the North East Investment Zone, which aims to drive economic growth and create thousands of high-skilled jobs.
Kim McGuinness, North East mayor, says: “As a combined authority, we are investing in NETPark through our investment zone, building amazing new lab and production spaces for businesses to grow and adding over £600 million to the North East’s economy.
“From semiconductors to the next generation in space technology, we can create a very bright future for NETPark, County Durham and our great North East.”
As NETPark prepares for its next phase, its role as a cornerstone of innovation and growth in the North East remains steadfast.
With a commitment to nurturing cutting-edge technologies, fostering collaboration and creating high-value jobs, NETPark is more than a science park – it is a symbol of what is possible when vision meets determination.
NETPark
To find out more about NETPark, call 01740 625250 or visit:
January 13, 2025
- Promoted