A NEW science park a quarter of a century in the making has opened in South Gloucestershire, putting the area on the map for innovation.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts officially opened the Bristol and Bath Science Park, just off the Lyde Green roundabout on the Avon Ring Road, on Monday.

Speaking to the Gazette, he said: "This is of enormous importance.

"It will have a great economic impact on the area with the creation of 5,000 jobs and it will strengthen a cluster of universities and business already here in Bristol and Bath."

He said the lack of such a facility in the area had been a ‘terrible omission’.

Mr Willetts said he hoped to see the 59-acre park, which will become a hub for science and technology businesses and academia, developed further in the future.

"In five years time I expect to see this place buzzing," he said. "It will take decades but I want to see more and more of this large site developed."

The park was first discussed in the 1980s and has finally come to fruition in a partnership between the now redundant South West Regional Development Agency and Quantum Property Partnership.

It marks Bristol’s status as a Science City and has been designed to offer companies, from fledging businesses to established brands, office space, an innovation centre and the opportunity to expand. The main building, The Forum, is open to the public and provides a social heart for the park with space to meet, eat, collaborate and network.

The park is already home to the National Composites Centre and is supported by the region’s three universities, the University of the West of England and Bristol and Bath universities. It will be managed in a stewardship arrangement with the government.

Chief executive Bonnie Dean said: "The region’s strengths in scientific research, technology and the creative industries, all of which come together at the park, should make it a magnet for entrepreneurs and ambitious companies.

"The science park will also be a flexible and professional hub for collaboration between industry and academia. The next new, exciting chapter begins today."

Kate Bellingham, former presenter of Tomorrow’s World, held a discussion with Mr Willetts at the opening ceremony which was also attended by business representatives, local dignitaries and companies involved with the building project.