Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 3 July backed a plan to support the long-term growth of the University of Warwick Innovation Campus Stratford-upon-Avon at Wellesbourne.
A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has been approved by Councillors. It sets out a framework to guide the growth of the Campus, which would be delivered by the University of Warwick.
The Campus could create thousands of highly skilled jobs and attract cutting-edge and high growth businesses. It has the potential to be a keystone of Stratford - and Warwickshire's - economic growth for decades to come, in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, automotive, and digital.
The Innovation Campus has already attracted exciting global brands, including Lotus Engineering and Rimac. A former agricultural campus, it is also home to some of the world's most cutting-edge life sciences research and innovation. The SPD is designed to support these existing strengths.
The Campus will be distinct from the University's main campus as it will focus on research and not be student-focussed. With the principle of the Innovation Campus now agreed, the University of Warwick will begin to prepare more detailed proposals.
An outline planning application will be submitted by the University in due course, following detailed discussions with Stratford-on-Avon District Council and consultation with the community. At this stage, there is no agreed timetable for this process.
Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "The Innovation Campus Stratford-upon-Avon is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create an environment centred on collaboration between industry and academia. We are taking the initiative to shape the growth of the Campus, so it delivers for Stratford.
"We've worked closely with the University of Warwick to develop a joint approach and there are exciting opportunities ahead. Today, we are pleased to approve a framework and long-term approach for the Campus.
"The Campus will become a place to solve real-world problems and fundamental challenges such as climate change, environmental damage, and health inequalities. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the University to deliver."
