History of Surrey Research Park

Step back in time and discover more about Surrey Research Park’s history and heritage.

The Vision

Welcome to Surrey Research Park, a thriving hub of innovation and excellence, in Guildford, England.

Established in 1985 by the University of Surrey, the Park was created to foster a dynamic environment where academia and industry converge.

Over the years, the Park has become a beacon of scientific and technological advancement.

In developing Surrey Research Park, the University of Surrey had five clear objectives which complemented its existing industry/university relationships.  These were:

• To help industry maintain its competitive edge through fostering innovation
  
• To assist with the economic development of the national, regional and local economies
  
• To raise the profile and international reputation of the University of Surrey and Guildford as a centre of excellence for technology
  
• To create an opportunity for technology transfer by strengthening the links between the University and industry.

Check out this video news reel clips from ITN News in 1985, to discover more about about the origins of the Surrey Research Park.

Early Beginnings

The concept of the Surrey Research Park was first mooted in 1981 as part of the Surrey County Structure Plan, following recognition that the University of Surrey needed to extend its links with industry.

The Park was the brainchild of Professor Anthony Kelly, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Surrey. He first conceived the idea during a sabbatical term in Switzerland in 1979 and a small group (including in particular Jerry Leonard, former University Treasurer and Leonard Kail, former University Secretary) took the development forward.

In the early days, Surrey Research Park quickly gained recognition for its state-of-the-art facilities and supportive infrastructure, attracting businesses from technology, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and more. This synergy between education and enterprise set the stage for a collaborative ethos that defines Surrey Research Park.

To kickstart this project, the University of Surrey recruited a small management team from its academic departments and established an enterprise unit within the University’s administrative structure with delegated powers to raise and invest funds for the Park to carry out development.

 By 1983 the former farmland at the edge of Guildford had been cleared and work to develop the first phase Chancellor Court – five speculatively built buildings – was well underway. Opened in 1985, rental income from these first buildings allowed the university to support further bank loans.

Further investment funder for the first phase of The Surrey Technology Centre (STC) and additional units in Frederick Sanger Road, Huxley Road and Stirling House.

By 1989 there were 65 companies on the Research Park.

And by March 2015, 90% of the Park had been developed with just two remaining sites, known as George Stephenson Place and Faraday Court, undeveloped.

One of the Park’s most notable successes is Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), founded in 1985. SSTL has revolutionised the space sector with affordable and reliable satellite technology, making space more accessible for a variety of applications.

Their close ties with the University of Surrey have facilitated continuous advancements, positioning Guildford as a key player in the global space industry. In 2009, SSTL was acquired by Airbus. Today it is a multi-million pound business

Gaming Industry Hub

Surrey Research Park at it a the heart of Guildford’s reputation as the “Hollywood of Games”.

Gaming at Surrey Research Park began in 1991 with Peter Molyneux and Les Edgar founding Bullfrog Productions.

Their game, Populous, sold over four million copies, leading to Bullfrog’s acquisition by Electronic Arts in 1995.

The Park’s versatile leasing and proximity to the University attracted more developers.

Criterion Studios, another early tenant, was also acquired by Electronic Arts. Peter Molyneux continued to boost the industry by founding Lionhead Studios in 1997, later acquired by Microsoft.

This spurred entrepreneurial activity, with Lionhead alumni creating studios like Media Molecule and Two Point Studios. Today, Surrey Research Park is home to several games developers, including 22 Cans and Seven League Software (7LS).

Today, the Surrey Innovation District is continuing to lead the way with shaping the next generation of video games and CreaTech, in the UK industry via the Games and Innovation Nexus programme. Discover more details here.

Advancing Medical Health

The medical health sector here is characterised by cutting-edge research and development. Since it was established in 1985, companies specialising in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare technologies have especially thrived on the Park, leveraging the connections with the nearby hospital and University research facilities.

Environmental Sustainability

Surrey Research Park is also a beacon for environmental sustainability, home to pioneering companies like Naturemetrics. This innovative firm specialises in DNA analysis to monitor biodiversity and environmental health, aiding in conservation efforts and sustainable resource management. The Park’s commitment to green initiatives aligns perfectly with the mission of such companies, driving forward environmental research and solutions.

Cybersecurity Excellence

In the realm of cybersecurity, the Park hosts several leading firms that specialise in protecting digital assets and information systems. These companies benefit from the Park’s advanced technological infrastructure and expertise from the University of Surrey, fostering robust cybersecurity solutions.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate 40+ years of excellence, Surrey Research Park remains dedicated to fostering innovation and responsible growth. We continue to invest in facilities and services, supporting the evolving needs of our community. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, an established business, or a researcher with groundbreaking ideas, Surrey Research Park offers the perfect environment for growth.

Join us and become part of a community that is shaping the future through innovation and collaboration.