Thornton Science Park

Providing local solutions to global challenges

At Thornton Science Park, world class, societally relevant research is flourishing. We are a clean growth centre of expertise and excellence. Thornton’s work on improving energy security and identifying sustainable energy sources will help address meeting the 2050 net zero emissions target.

Businesses from multi-nationals to SMEs have been attracted to the seamless ‘triple helix’ interaction between industry, academia and Government, promoting innovation, collaboration, knowledge transfer and strong economic benefits.

The University of Chester with a special focus on Thornton Science Park has accepted the invitation to become an official Northern Powerhouse partner. Thornton’s science and innovation have earned it Enterprise Zone status making it one of the key assets of the Cheshire Science Corridor, which links Liverpool and Manchester.

Now, together with Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, the University is realising its long-standing plan to reach the site’s full potential by seeking a development partner to support future growth.

Businesses have the opportunity to join our thriving community of companies, drawing on active support and collaboration with the University and the research and development facilities located on site.

The Cheshire Science Corridor - Enterprise Zone

Enterprise Zone status at Thornton offers incoming companies the possibility to: build a cost-effective corporate headquarters on site, including all functions such as research and development, and manufacturing capabilities; or to move into an existing office and fully equipped laboratory or workshop space. The adjacent Protos development by Peel Environmental is a strategic hub for energy production, innovation and industry. It offers opportunities to embed research and development and pilot activities in the innovative and collaborative environment at Thornton, whilst planning grow-on and larger scale production and energy facilities at Protos.

Thornton Science Park is the base of operations for the North West HyNet consortium, driving the north west region into a low carbon future.

Business support

• Opportunity to forge close collaborative research and development relationships with academic experts
• Access to academic placements for short-term projects
• Ability to recruit undergraduate talent emerging from the University's Science and Engineering courses.

• Read more about the services available from our commercial teams
• Read our case studies of commercial occupants

Careers and employability

We ensure a holistic approach both to employer engagement and to the generation of employment opportunities for students and graduates. The team works effectively with businesses, both large and small, across a wide variety of disciplines.

We understand that effective employer relationships will ensure the curriculum offered is relevant and that we’re producing graduates with self-awareness, specialist, general and transferable skills and the ability to network, as well as providing them with real world experience.

Businesses that engage with the University:

• Gain access to a talented pool of students and graduates
• Raise their organisation’s profile with students, graduates and academic colleagues
• Have use of our FREE vacancy advertising service to promote their vacancies, internships and placement opportunities to our students and graduates.

Location

Located in the North West of England with excellent motorway access to M56 and M53. Cities Chester, Liverpool and Manchester are all within easy reach, allowing businesses located here the opportunity to draw upon a large local workforce. 

For more details visit our Thornton Science Park page.