Leicester is home to two universities carrying out world-class research. The lack of high technology jobs in the city has meant that students often leave the city after graduation.

The eight-hectare Science and Technology Park, set in a beautiful riverside setting next to the National Space Centre, aims to address this problem by widening the job choice and retaining graduates in the city.

Located on two sites, the science park will create opportunities for new technology companies to grow and for existing ones to move into the city.

Preparation of the first of the two sites is now complete, with a new access road from the A6 to the National Space Centre complete and officially opened. The next stage of the development, structural landscaping, is underway and will create a tree-lined boulevard stretching the length of the road. The second site, the council owned former John Ellis school site, has been cleared for development.

Both sites have planning permission and Leicester Regeneration Company are working with their partners Leicester City Council and emda to appoint a new lead developer for the site.

At Abbey Meadows West, Ingleby are building 4,000 sq m of offices, 170 riverside homes and a car showroom.

Wolsey Island

With water on two sides and a park on the third, Wolsey Island is a superb residential site, with room for 2,000 homes.

On Abbey Park Road, Sock Island Developments are converting Boston House into The Shoe Factory, 44 loft style apartments.

On an adjacent site, Morris Homes have completed site clearance for 305 apartments. Planning permission has been granted on the Abbey Park Road Scheme.

Bestway Holdings Ltd has submitted a planning application for 158 homes on the site of the former Bestway Cash and Carry. The plans include 65 three and four bedroom homes and 93 apartments. Bestway Cash and Carry relocated from the site to make way for regeneration activity.

A planning application for 1,200 homes at the former BUSM works on Ross Walk is nearly completion. The plans include apartments and houses set around open spaces and parks.