BY the end of next month, the woman appointed to manage a £7m science park development in the North-East is expecting to have ten companies operating on the site.

Julia MacFarlane only arrived at St Peter's Gate - part of Sunderland Science Park - less than two weeks ago, but she has already impressed potential tenants with her enthusiasm for the development.

As an accredited business advisor, Ms MacFarlane's background in the business start-up sector gives her the ideal credentials for the job.

She joined St Peter's Gate, which is expected to create 200 jobs, from the University of Teesside's business incubation programme and previously worked for the university's Food Technology Centre.

Ms MacFarlane said: "St Peter's Gate is a wonderful opportunity for businesses wanting to expand their operations.

"There is a shortage of smaller quality offices close to the centre of Sunderland. This development addresses that problem very well.

"It will also tackle more pressing issues, such as bringing jobs to Sunderland, encouraging graduates to stay in the region and attracting knowledge-based business to the city.

"Interest in St Peter's Gate since I arrived has been excellent and by the end of next month, we should have at least ten companies operating on the site.

"The aim is to have 80 per cent occupancy by late next year."

The University of Sunderland-managed park provides incubator units for entrepreneurs and accommodation for established, knowledge-based businesses.

The 1,440sq metre site at St Peter's Riverside will also offer a home to businesses set up by undergraduates and graduates.

The development is in response to growing demand for incubator space from knowledge-based businesses generated by the university's business creation activities and space for companies that want to work closely with the university.

It is envisaged that 26 new businesses and seven existing businesses will move into the 33 units.

St Peter's Gate is also likely to draw some of its occupants from the university's media centre, on the nearby Sir Tom Cowie Campus, at St Peter's, which houses Codeworks - the regional centre of research excellence for digital media.

Research shows a high demand for this type of business accommodation, which could attract professional consultancies and media prod- uction companies, as well as science and technology businesses.

The TyneWear Partnership was supported in the development with £1.6m from the Single Programme fund. EU funding of £500,000 and £50,000 from the private sector has also been received.

The university is working in partnership with the North-East of England Business and Innovation Centre and the City of Sunderland.

Published: 29/06/2004