What’s the sector’s opinion of the Innovation Park on Edge Lane? Do you think it’s achieved its objectives?

I have been to the site several times over the years as a potential relocation for our business, but until 2007, I was more likely to hit tumbleweed than a potential client. It was well kitted out but a soulless and sterile atmosphere, not a creative hub of energy and excitement. Always seemed a little clicky, not really for non uni start ups. ICDC, having worked with some of thier senior web people in 2008, shocking, really shocking, being paid a wonger and takes them 6 months to over engineer a 10 page HTML site. A lot of the people i met wouldn’t cut the mustard in the private sector, or get the same salary.

In my last visit in June 2009, the place had come to life somewhat. More as a university building than an incubator of digital businesses.

 There are indeed some very good companies located in the building and born from it; but the question of the initial vision has changed, a lot?.

 The recent news from the gaming sector should provide a great new opportunity for the innovation park, in the trusted hands of Gary Miller i feel more confident. Edge Lane for me is taking shape, slowly, but thats no bad thing really. The innovation park has more opporunity now than ever to capitalise on its investment, sticking to the plan is essential.

The Orginal Plan & Vision in 2003

8^th December 2003, The Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) unveiled the branding for Liverpool Digital, as part of Marconi Corporation’s activities to celebrate 100 years of innovation at the Edge Lane site.

Liverpool Digital is a major destination for high-tech digital industries. The site will form a centre of excellence for the information and communications technology sector, and provide a home to business and incubation activities, together with university research facilities, all focused on the Creative and Digital industries.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive, NWDA said:
“This is the dawn of a new era. The infrastructure at the Edge Lane site, combined with the availability of Marconi’s specialist skills base, will preserve and enhance Liverpool’s growing reputation for ICT and New Media excellence. Potential occupiers will benefit from the site’s strategic location, mixed-use facilities, high bandwidth fibre infrastructure……. I am delighted and pleased with the new branding, which signifies the start of this new and exciting time.”

Mike Parton, Chief Executive of Marconi Corporation plc said:
‘with the commitment of the Northwest Development Agency – and a new name – Liverpool Digital – the site is set to become a high-tech hub, with Marconi taking pride-of-place at its core.  Liverpool Digital will be an exceptional location and will offer access to the latest state-of-the-art facilities.”

 Gary Miller’s recent invlovement is a very very positive step in my opinion.