Thornton Science Park is a major research and innovation hub. Formerly the Shell Technology Centre, it offers a unique blend of industry, innovation and academia being home to the University of Chester’s new Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Local Growth Fund-supported Smart Grid Demonstrator project and the recently announced Energy Security and Innovation Observing System for the Subsurface (ESIOS), which will be established in 2016.
The park is a centre of excellence for energy systems and also provides on-site business support for the energy sector, targeting commercialisation and internationalisation. Areas of expertise include: energy storage; energy networks; asset management and unconventional gas extraction. Thornton is also a spoke for the National College for Onshore Oil and Gas.
Thornton Science Park is part of the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone; eligible businesses may be able to access discretionary Business Rate relief and Enhanced Capital Allowances.