Plans are being advanced for an £80 million Innovation Park next to the Musselburgh campus of Queen Margaret University (QMU).

A detailed business plan for the project which could create up to 13,000 jobs, is being drawn up by knowledge economy consultancy CAM-SCI as part of the University’s development strategy.

The University’s decision to retain the consultancy was made after a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) consultation in September 2015 saw support for the concept gather pace.

As East Lothian Council moves towards finalising the East Lothian Development Plan, QMU is progressing its vision for local and regional social and economic development around its campus, aiming to protect this land for the development of specialist facilities to support the food and drink sector.

Cambridge-based CAM-SCI, which has a strong track record in guiding some of the UK’s most successful innovation and science parks from concept development through to funding and delivery, last year worked with QMU to advance the University’s vision for this employment-focused hub. The University’s development strategy also provides for a commercial hub to deliver retail and leisure facilities for students, staff and the surrounding local communities.

QMU Principal Professor Petra Wend said: “Our proposed development is market distinctive and complementary to Edinburgh Bioquarter and other developments in the region. After receiving a favourable response to our initial community consultations last autumn, we are now ramping up our efforts to make our vision of a thriving commercial community, providing sustainable employment opportunities and facilities for businesses to grow, become a reality.’

“CAM-SCI has a proven record of delivering value for universities, businesses and communities across the UK. Retaining their services to progress the next stage of our plans to secure the land, as well as planning and financial investment required to deliver the Innovation Park, underlines the university’s commitment to drive innovation and create prosperity for East Lothian and the wider Scottish economy. We believe there is demand and real potential for the University to be at the heart of a transformational project that will bring new opportunity and vitality to the region.”

The University has identified food and drink as a key area of innovation and growth. Phase One of the innovation park is for the development of two 50,000 sq. ft enterprise centres.

The co-located commercial development will create a vibrant area that combines innovation activity with the support of the University’s academic resources together with local amenities. It is a community focused scheme that will provide a range of facilities including retail, coffee shops, health and fitness, hotel and residential accommodation.