Milton Park is starting the first phase of preparation for the recently announced Science Vale UK Enterprise Zone.

Milton Park East comprises a large storage and distribution facility. By demolishing this building, modern commercial premises will be constructed to provide space for companies across the office, science and hi-tech sectors and paves the way for Milton Park to be at the forefront of future economic growth in the region.

Milton Park is moving forward on the Enterprise Zone plan with the first phase of the demolition already in process. Fencing has been installed along the perimeter of the site and the demolition of the existing building started last week. The works are programmed to be completed by the end of December 2011.

Although the actual works will take a matter of days, the contractors will be on site for several weeks as a staggering 95% of the building will be recycled. The 350 tonnes of metal is being melted down and all the glass, wood, plastic and plasterboard being reused. In addition, the rubble produced by the demolition will be left on the site for future construction.

The Enterprise Zone aims to create 8,400 jobs by 2015 within the Oxfordshire LEP region and support the development of Oxfordshire’s skills strategy by creating new apprenticeship opportunities.

James Dipple, Managing Director at MEPC Milton Park, said: “The redevelopment of building 182 is enhancing the potential of Milton Park. It is giving our current occupiers the room to expand and grow as well as creating extra space so new organisations can move to the estate. Creating jobs is the primary reason for the government selecting regions such as ours for the enterprise zone status. As well as the direct employment benefits of the new status, we expect to see wider knock on job creation as the local community expands to support the increased business occupation.”