DETAILS of a new innovation centre in the region have been revealed as work gets underway on Start Fareham.

The centre is the first of a new brand of innovation centre being developed and operated by Start, a Cambridge based company which has set up a joint venture with St John's Innovation Centre.

Based on the successful Cambridge model, the new 24,000 sq ft operation will open in March 2003 and will provide top quality accommodation on all inclusive monthly licences, plus business support, networking and business planning

services to early stage and growing

businesses.

Managing director Roger Perrin, said "We really are grateful to have been able to bring together Hampshire County Council as landowner, Close Business Centre Capital and Commercial Management as investors, and St John's Innovation Centre in Cambridge to help Start create the first of our new brand of Innovation Centre.''

Walter Herriot, director of Start and managing director of St John's Innovation Centre added "We hope that our experience in Cambridge can bring a new dimension of business support and property services to what we see as a vibrant business community on the M27 corridor. We are already talking with prospective occupiers and able to sign up prelets now."

The new building will include air conditioned offices with studios and workshops together with on-site management, atrium with caf and exhibition space and a direct link to St John's Innovation Centre and Cambridge University departments.

Start Fareham will also offer networking events, seminars and a business club.

Councillor Michael Woodhall, deputy leader Hampshire County Council said: "We welcome this new innovation centre initiative by Start which brings to fruition the long-standing aim of the county council to secure a use for its site which would benefit new and existing south Hampshire firms especially those with the potential to grow quickly and contribute significantly to the local, regional and indeed, the national economy."Start is working in partnership with Warings Construction to create the building and Vail Williams advised on the property and funding aspects of the project.