The official opening of the Skylark Conference Centre at Westcott has marked a significant milestone in the transformation of the park, bringing together senior leaders on Friday 16 January to showcase the completion of this landmark development.
The event was opened by Countess Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and attended by Greg Smith, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Mid Buckinghamshire and CEO of the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate.
This was followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring key members of the Westcott Space Cluster community, including representatives from Protolaunch, Nammo, Skyports Drone Services (Skyports), Satellite Applications Catapult, and the University of Sheffield.
The Skylark forms part of a major development programme backed by UK Space Agency funding, secured through a successful collaborative bid led by URA Thrusters and including PATRIZIA (Westcott owners), Buckinghamshire Council and Skyports Drone Services.
The state-of-the-art Skylark facility, named in tribute to the motors of Britain's first space rocket developed at Westcott in the 1950s, now serves as the beating heart of the business community. Over 16,000 sq ft the building houses the new conference centre alongside a large café, providing the park's employees with access to quality food and comprehensive events catering services.
The opening event provided delegates the opportunity to experience the conference centre's facilities, enjoy presentations on the vision for Westcott and inspiring company success stories, before concluding with a plaque unveiling ceremony and networking lunch.
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “This world-class facility will provide companies with access to cutting-edge testing infrastructure that was previously unavailable in this country, helping them to scale up and compete globally.”
Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Councillor Steven Broadbent said: "The opening of the Skylark represents a significant achievement for Westcott and the wider Enterprise Zone. This development has already attracted considerable interest from businesses seeking to establish themselves within this world-leading centre of excellence. The facilities will be instrumental in attracting new talent and investment to the region whilst providing a platform for innovation and growth across our key economic sectors."
Nigel MacKenzie, Development Manager at Westcott said: "The successful opening of the Skylark marks a pivotal moment in Westcott's evolution. We recognise the unique sense of place and spirit of collaboration that exists here among our space community, and these exceptional facilities will elevate that spirit of working together.
“By bringing together inspiring workspaces, quality amenities and versatile meeting facilities, the Skylark creates an environment where our growing cluster of companies can innovate and thrive as they take the next steps in their growth."
Sustainable propulsion company URA Thrusters and leading drone services provider Skyports Drone Services have taken space at Phase 1 of the development along with Westcott Shared Facilities, which provide technical facilities available for use by industry, academia, and students.
Grade A office space in the Skylark is now available for occupation with suites of 1,000 sq ft up to 5,500 sq ft available. Industrial space will soon be available at the Orbis9000 scheme adjacent to the Skylark building. Six units ranging from 2,734 sq ft to 17,987 sq ft arranged in two terraces are available to pre-let and will be ready for occupation in March 2026.
To view the ITV news coverage visit: https://bit.ly/3LBCLgE
Countess Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, Alberto Garbayo, CEO of URA Thrusters, Nigel MacKenzie, Development Manager at Westcott, Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council and Emily Waller, Strategic Account Director, Satellite Applications Catapult.
