By any standard, 2023 was a landmark year for the North East Technology Park (NETPark) at Sedgefield as it embarked on a £62m expansion, marking a significant milestone in its development.

This expansion, led by Durham County Council, is set to have a substantial impact, with the potential to generate 1,250 skilled jobs and contribute £625m to the local economy over the next decade.

NETPark is already a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration in science and technology. Home to around 40 companies from a diverse range of industries – from startups to established global players, all of which are working at the forefront of their respective fields – the park has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and prosperity in the region.

A significant milestone for the project was the arrival of the steelwork for NETPark’s Phase 3 expansion. The sheer scale of the steelwork arriving on site signifies the ambition and progress of this project.

The Northern Echo: A CGI of what the park will look like once the work has been completed.A CGI of what the park will look like once the work has been completed. (Image: Durham County Council)

The NETPark team has actively promoted its expansion plans and successes throughout the year, attending key industry conferences and events. This outreach has been instrumental in generating interest from businesses and investors, and has helped to raise awareness of NETPark’s position as a leading science and technology park in the UK.

Another significant development in 2023 was the opening of the new marketing suite for NETPark’s Phase 3 expansion.

The marketing suite provides a dedicated space for potential tenants, partners and visitors to learn more about the park and to experience the park’s unique environment with a first-hand look at the new facilities.

Pioneering companies at NETPark: A showcase of innovation NETPark is already home to several remarkable companies, each contributing to the park’s reputation as a hub of innovation.

Notable companies at the park include:

Kromek: A leading developer of high-performance radiation detection products based on cadmium zinc telluride. Kromek designs, develops and produces X-ray and gamma-ray imaging and radiation detection products for the medical, security screening and nuclear markets.

Filtronic: A leading provider of microwave and radio frequency (RF) components and sub-systems. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications, from mobile phones to satellites.

Andrew Turner Inventions: An exemplar in innovation, the company propels ideas from prototype to market, providing solutions that make a meaningful impact on industries and communities. The company has developed transformative inventions in partnership with the NHS, Northumbria Water and other industry leaders.

Redditch Medical: Provides clean room contamination control products to the life science industry with products sold globally from Australia and Japan to Costa Rica.

Tekgem: A world leader in protecting critical national infrastructure from serious cyber threats in the niche field of cyber security that helps to safeguard the computer systems and technologies used by clients, primarily in the process industry.

Wootzano: This start-up company is working to advance nanotechnology in the robotics industry with robots capable of sensing and feeling as humans do using a unique electronic skin.

The Northern Echo:

As we look forward to the coming year, the momentum at NETPark shows no signs of slowing down as the construction is set to continue. With significant interest in the new units, watch this space for announcements of new tenants.

The 20th anniversary of NETPark is also on the horizon, providing an opportunity to reflect on the success of its tenants and partners, and celebrate the park’s journey as a centre of technological advancement and innovation.

NETPark is a shining example of the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in the North-East. The park is playing a vital role in creating jobs, attracting investment and developing new technologies that are making a difference in the world.

As NETPark continues to grow and develop, it is set to become an even more prominent hub of economic activity and technological advancement in the years to come. With its commitment to innovation and collaboration, NETPark is poised to continue its remarkable journey of success, shaping the future of the North-East and beyond.

NETPark facts:

  • NETPark, a globally recognised science park, was established in 2004.
  • Home to over 40 science and technology companies, NETPark employs over 700 skilled professionals.
  • A £62m expansion project will create 232,000sq.ft of new space for businesses.
  • The expansion is expected to generate up to 2,000 direct jobs and a further 4,000 in the supply chain.
  • The expansion of NETPark is worth up to £625m to the County Durham economy over ten years.
  • Phase 3 of NETPark is due to be completed in January 2025.
  • NETPark is poised to become a major hub for the North-East’s burgeoning space industry.
  • NETPark is home to three National Catapult Centres providing businesses with access to cutting-edge research and development facilities.

To find out more about NETPark visit northeasttechnologypark.com.