The Westcott Space Hub, a new £20m innovation facility, has been opened in Buckinghamshire to provide cutting-edge facilities for businesses in the sector.
With space tech predicted by the government to be a key economic driver for the future, the UK Space Agency has backed the new hub in partnership with URA Thrusters, Patrizia Hanover Property Unit Trust, Skyports Drone Services, Westcott Shared Facilities Ltd and Buckinghamshire Council.
The 62,000 sq ft facility will house testing and training equipment for state-of-the-art space technology as well as commercial workspaces for companies in the sector.
The site was built in Westcott Venture Park, which has over 50 years of history as a rocket engine test site.
“The opening of the Westcott Space Hub marks another exciting milestone for the UK’s space ambitions. By combining world-leading testing facilities with space for businesses to grow and collaborate, we’re giving British innovators the tools they need to compete on the global stage,” said Space Minister Liz Lloyd.
“This investment is about more than infrastructure – it’s about creating skilled jobs, attracting private investment, and ensuring that the next generation of space technologies are designed, built and tested right here in the UK.”
The project began on December 2023 and was jointly funded by public and private investment. The UK Space Agency expects the hub to create approximately 100 direct jobs and 200 roles within the wider supply chain over the coming years.
“This world-class facility will provide companies with access to cutting-edge testing infrastructure that was previously unavailable in this country, helping them to scale up and compete globally,” said Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.
“By bringing together businesses, researchers and training facilities under one roof, the Hub will foster the collaboration essential for growing the UK’s thriving space economy.”
