WORK has begun on a major £10.7 million office development at a research and technology park.

The 41,571sq ft office will be built at Parkside on the Knowledge Gateway park at University of Essex’s Colchester campus.

Registrar Bryn Morris was joined on a tour of the site by representatives from contractor R J Carter including Director of R G Carter Southern James Wilson and Colchester Council deputy leader Adam Fox.

Mr Morris said: “Seeing the latest, most ambitious phase of Parkside starting to take shape is extremely exciting for the University.

“This shows the level of ambition we have for the Knowledge Gateway research and technology park.

“We have a growing community of businesses across Parkside Office Village and the Innovation Centre and this building offers a fantastic opportunity to bring in new tenants who share our vision of driving forward the economy of the Eastern region.

“They can benefit from close links with the University, including our research community and students, alongside our campus facilities including our award-wining park.”

James Wilson, General Manager and Director from R G Carter added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the University of Essex to deliver this exciting development.

“The ground-breaking ceremony is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the start of this innovative project, providing exceptional facilities that will positively impact the university campus, local businesses, and support wider economic growth across the region.”

Mr Morris was also joined by Pam Cox, Colchester councillor responsible for culture and heritage, and Andrea Luxford Vaughan, councillor responsible for planning and infrastructure, alongside R J Carter representatives senior contracts manager Ian Powell, project manager John Turpin and senior quantity surveyor Murray Pease.

The building is expected to be ready for occupation next year.