A GROUNDBREAKING medical technology campus that will create 4,000 new jobs in Chelmsford is one step closer to reality.
The 50-acre Anglia Ruskin MedTech campus will be built between the university and Broomfield Hospital and looks set to rival medical technology parks in Silicon Valley and other parts of the US.
The project is a collaboration between Anglia Ruskin and Chelmsford, Harlow and Southend councils and involves similar parks in the two other local authorities, creating 12,500 jobs across Essex and boosting the UK medical technology sector by £1.2 billion
The partners launched their Business Network Service at London's ExCel Centre, with the aim of introducing companies to the project.
Professor Tony Young, of Anglia Ruskin University, said: "We have a fantastic history of inventing in this country. but these get turned into global products outside of the UK. Now is the chance to turn this around. We have already had interest from businesses looking to upscale and move to Essex. We have the opportunity to attract investors from around the globe to this county."
Developers have estimated the construction will cost £500 million, with the possibility of innovation centres, a private hospital, and the world's first assisted living hotel.
Lord Howe, Under Secretary of State for Health, said: "Rapidly adopting innovations that improve the quality of patient care is a priority for the NHS.
"It is vital that we support the NHS to embrace invention, be receptive to new ideas and share and spread the best ideas, products and clinical practice.
"The Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus can play a key part in bringing these innovations to the NHS and beyond.
"With a global healthcare market worth around four trillion dollars, the potential value to the UK in terms of economic growth and development is enormous."
Steve Packham, chief executive of Chelmsford City Council, said: "There is a very proud tradition of business innovation within Chelmsford, Harlow and Southend.
"The scale of the MedTech opportunity is significant and the three authorities are fully committed to working in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University to make this venture a success.
"All locations have something very different to offer. However, collectively there is real potential to generate significant growth in this research sector.
"Developing innovation, attracting inward investment, creating new jobs and economic growth are aspirations for us all and we believe that the chances of success are greater through a genuine partnership approach."
