Construction work to create more space to accommodate technology and science companies at Edinburgh Technopole has begun.

Edinburgh Technopole is a business park in Penicuik, specifically designed to offer the flexibility required by dynamic companies.

Phase one of the development by Trinity Investment Management is expected to deliver 37,000 sq ft of office and laboratory space designed by Oberlanders Architects.

The first building being built, named Pioneer, will offer 18,500 sq ft of open plan space, along with 78 car parking spaces and a café.

Further scope for expansion

Another 18,500 sq ft building will then be constructed, with scope for further buildings designed to the specific requirements of technology companies.

In total, the site will consist of three new offices/laboratory buildings, and is due to be completed in the first half of 2019.

Simon Hoad, project director for AG Edinburgh Technopole, said: “We could have up to 300 people in these buildings. We have a masterplan and this is the first phase. There are further phases planned where there will be far greater numbers employed on top of these numbers.

“We acquired Edinburgh Technopole just over a year ago. We know there are existing tenants that want to expand but there is nowhere for them to go unless we build an extension here. Otherwise they would have to move out of Midlothian, so the new buildings need to be built to let these companies grow.

“There are other companies both from and outside Midlothian that we are talking to who are very keen to be situated here because of the link with all the other businesses here. There is a pool of staff and a pool of knowledge, it’s a wonderful place to work.”

Midlothian Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for planning, Councillor Russell Imrie (Lab), said the council had given the development the thumbs up as it will create jobs and “cement Midlothian’s reputation as a centre for excellence in scientific research”.

He added: “We know there are companies which are keen to locate soon to Edinburgh Technopole. To ensure these opportunities are not lost the council is seeking to have a cross-party delegation meet with the relevant minister to seek a way forward as quickly as possible.”