New Edinburgh Development Centre for 3MRT
- Scotsman 27 April 2006
THE Edinburgh Technopole Centre has signed up three new tenants and is poised to sign up a further four within weeks, it emerged today.
Computer-based accelerated learning group 3MRT, data processing and chart production firm Wish Software, and Rosebery Chartered Accountants have all taken up space at Bush House, the 250-year-old former stately home that sits at the heart of the £100 million science park
And three further unnamed technology-focussed companies are in the process of signing tenancy agreements for space in the building just two months after it completed a £2m refurbishment. It is understood that one plans to establish its European base at Bush House. Another tenant is poised to locate to the Technopole building itself.
The spate of signings follows the February move to Bush House of Coeval, which specialises in designing intelligent electronic signage, and the relocation of Biobest, one of the UK's leaders in veterinary virology and DNA diagnostics, from the nearby Pentland Science Park the same month.
Judith Sanderson, park manager at Edinburgh Technopole, which lies in the foothills of the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh, said interest in occupancy at the 12,500 square feet Bush House building had gained momentum as the renovation gathered pace towards the building's February opening.
Ms Sanderson believes the appeal lies in its fixed price tenant's package, plus the availability of pay-as-you-use facilities such as secretarial support, and catering.
"Bush House is the perfect space for small companies with the range of facilities that we offer," she said.
"Smaller companies can focus on growing their business without the hassle of having to deal with utility companies, maintenance and the expense of having meeting room facilities."
She adds: "There has also been interest in the conference and meeting facilities offered by Bush House - including bookings from government and education departments and local and national charities."
In particular, Ms Sanderson said Bush House was "successfully attracting niche companies from throughout the software and technology sectors".
Dundee-based 3MRT, which is rapidly becoming one of the world's leading specialists in computer-based accelerated learning, has its new Scottish development centre in the 18th century clocktower building at Bush House.
The Technopole, which is enjoying a growing reputation as a world-leading centre for excellence in scientific and technological innovation, is a joint venture between the University of Edinburgh and property company Grosvenor.
Euan Mackenzie, chief executive at 3MRT, said: "
Our growing Edinburgh development team chose it over a city centre location. Edinburgh also provides us with access to a huge pool of talented graduate and experienced software engineers, essential to our continued growth and success."
Among the other companies housed at the Technopole are Indigo Vision, and US semiconductor research firm Xilinx.
Nick Sharp, managing director at Coeval, which was formerly based in Prestonpans, said: "Coeval is growing and developing as a company and Bush House, as part of Edinburgh Technopole, very much fits our profile and aspirations."
This article: http://business.scotsman.com/technology.cfm?id=631192006