Site of former power station to become nuclear R&D 'super cluster'

Chiltern Vital Berkeley Limited (CVB) has bought the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park from UK's South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College, to turn the site into a nuclear R&D "super cluster" in the UK.

The site, situated in Berkeley, was formerly a civil nuclear power station with an adjoining nuclear research laboratory.

However, CVB is now planning to create a nuclear R&D "super cluster" focused on providing the skills required for the next generation of nuclear power plants, specifically small modular reactors (SMRs).

In 2016, SGS saved the laboratory site from being demolished and, with support from Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud District Council, created a technology park featuring several low-carbon businesses.

Now the site, sold to CVB for £6.5 million ($8.5 million), is being revisited to respond to the nation's growing need for cleaner sources of power.

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Kevin Hamblin, CEO of SGS said: "We are delighted that CVB can now invest in the site to support research, development and skills training around new nuclear, AI and low carbon businesses. With the close proximity to Great British Nuclear's Oldbury site it will create a low carbon 'super cluster' over the next decade. CVB and their partners will bring significant new investment and work opportunities for the region; and for SGS it will mean the College plays a very prominent role to support the teaching of new skills for many years to come."

Rolls Royce SMR is partnering with CVB in this initiative and it is expected that Berkeley/Oldbury will be an important resource in the development and deployment of SMRs in the UK.

Chris Turner, chief executive of the Chiltern Vital Group, added: "South Gloucestershire and Stroud College have been exceptional custodians of the park, maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence for education and skills training. Key to the regeneration of Berkeley will be the provision of nuclear-centric education and skills training. With news of the government's SMR selection process expected shortly, GBN has identified that the UK will need approximately 150,000 new nuclear-trained employees over the next decade."

Chiltern Vital Berkeley Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiltern Vital Group (CVG).