Berkeley set to become a nuclear 'super-cluster'
South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College have successfully sold their 40-acre Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park, Berkeley for £6.5m to Chiltern Vital Berkeley Limited (CVB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiltern Vital Group.
The Berkeley site was formerly one of the first civil nuclear power stations in the world, with an adjoining nuclear research laboratory that was fundamental for developing the UK's nuclear fuel programme. SGS saved the laboratory site from being totally demolished in 2016 and, with support from Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud District Council, created a science and technology park with a number of low carbon businesses and education providers. However, it was clear that only by private investment, would the full potential of the site be realised.
The College recognised that successive Governments have identified the need for a carbon-free alternative for our nation's energy needs, and this created an opportunity to revisit the future of the site and respond to that opportunity.
The Government will soon announce the technology provider to develop Small Modular Reactors; and Rolls Royce SMR are the first company being selected for its SMR final approval stage by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). Rolls Royce SMR are a partner of CVB in this initiative and it is expected that Berkeley/Oldbury will be at the centre of new nuclear as we move forward.
Kevin Hamblin, CEO of SGS said:
'we are delighted that CVB can now invest in the site to support research, development and skills training around new nuclear, AI and low carbon businesses. With the close proximity to Great British Nuclear's Oldbury site it will create a low carbon 'super cluster' over the next decade. CVB and their partners will bring significant new investment and work opportunities for the region; and for SGS it will mean the College plays a very prominent role to support the teaching of new skills for many years to come.'
Chris Turner, Chief Executive of the Chiltern Vital Group added:
'South Gloucestershire and Stroud College have been exceptional custodians of the park, maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence for education and skills training. Key to the regeneration of Berkeley will be the provision of nuclear-centric education and skills training. With news of the government's SMR selection process expected shortly, GBN has identified that the UK will need approximately 150,000 new nuclear trained employees over the next decade.'
