AN innovative research and business park is taking shape.

There are now seven businesses at Parkside, part of Essex University’s Knowledge Gateway at its Colchester campus.

Intelligent mapping specialist Smart Networked Environments moved in just before the new year.

Bowater Holographics is taking over a unit this spring and another unit is under offer to a leading software company.

Other units are being used as a base for the Games Hub – a project nurturing the next generation of app developers and student entrepreneurs.

Bryn Morris, Essex University registrar, said: “We are looking to drive forward an ideasled economy in north Essex.

“We’re looking to do this by delivering new space for innovative and ambitious companies who want to base themselves close to our Colchester campus.

“Businesses based on the Knowledge Gateway can benefit from our world-leading researchers, including experts in data analytics, artificial intelligence and logistics, alongside our business support services, talented students and graduates, and our excellent facilities.

“Companies are moving into the first units at our Parkside office village and the feedback is giving us the confidence to take forward our plans to provide more space.”

The scheme has also won support from Prime Minister David Cameron.

He included the Knowledge Gateway in his long-term economic plan for the East of England.

The Government-backed Growing Places Fund has also allocated an interest-free loan of £850,000 to the Knowledge Gateway.

The money will be spent on building three more units at Parkside.

Mr Morris said: “The Prime Minister’s mention of the Knowledge Gateway in his speech shows the importance of this project to the Eastern region in the coming years.”

The university is also looking for further funding to support the construction of seven more units as part of the second phase of Parkside.

It also hopes to submit its plans for an Innovation Centre later in the spring which will offer large-scale business space, with on-site support, plus areas for hot-desking and smaller office suites.