Developer Chiltern Vital Berkeley (CVB) has acquired a science and technology park in Gloucestershire to turn it into the UK’s first low carbon “super cluster” for nuclear research.
Located in Berkeley, the 16ha site of the Berkeley Science and Technology Park was purchased from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College to create the cluster with the aim of bringing together , some of the world’s most innovative zero-carbon energy producers, academic institutions and global AI data centre companies.
CVB will now look to establish Berkeley as the UK’s research & development centre of excellence for the next generation of small modular and micro reactor technology. This is evidenced by interest from Rolls-Royce SMR (Small Modular Reactor) and other leading UK and international nuclear companies locating their operations at Berkeley. Rolls-Royce SMR is the first company to be confirmed as being selected for its final approval stage by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), which is likely to be concluded by late 2026.
The Berkeley nuclear site has a long and proud history, built as one of the first civil nuclear power stations in the world, its adjoining nuclear research laboratory was key to developing the UK’s nuclear fuel programme.
In the years since, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College have been custodians of the park, maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence for education and skills training.
Located next to the former Oldbury nuclear site, Berkeley is well positioned to fulfil the country’s nuclear training needs. Working with partners including Rolls-Royce SMR, the University of Bristol, the National College for Nuclear, Berkeley Green University Technical College and SGS College, CVB will be aim to create a teaching facility, ensuring local and regional communities benefit.
Alongside the acquisition of the Oldbury nuclear site by Great British Nuclear (GBN) earlier this year, Berkeley now sits at the heart of the new UK government’s mission to develop clean energy and act as a catalyst for regional regeneration.
Chiltern Vital Group (CVG), owner of CVB, chief executive Chris Turner said: “I am excited to close this acquisition and begin the first phase of Berkeley’s transformational redevelopment. CVG is already working with some of the world’s leading clean energy companies.
“I look forward to being involved in turning Berkeley/Oldbury into a low carbon supercluster over the next decade and supporting the positive impact that this project will have on the local, regional and national economy.”
Rolls-Royce SMR chief executive Chris Cholerton said: “Today’s announcement that CVG has completed the purchase of Berkeley Science and Technology Park brings the possibility of new nuclear at Berkeley a step closer.
“Our long-term SMR fleet roll-out will be enabled by private developers and Government working collaboratively, and CVG brings significant experience in delivering transformational energy projects to the nuclear sector.
“We continue to urge Great British Nuclear to complete their SMR selection process this year, which will unlock the immediate deployment of SMR units and the long-term opportunity at sites like Berkeley.”
University of Bristol professor Tom Scott said: “News of this Berkeley Science Park development is incredibly exciting for the UK nuclear industry. It will act as a focal point for skills development, research and innovation that will serve the UK well for decades to come.
“The prospect of bringing advanced nuclear energy technology demonstrators to the site has huge appeal from both an academic and industrial perspective. The UK has the opportunity to be trailblazers for advancing atomic energy technologies in helping to replace the use of fossil fuels and combat climate change.”
Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “This is a really exciting project for our whole region, it will be great for the economy and local jobs.
“I see Berkeley as a stake in the ground for new nuclear in this country and in Gloucestershire, which has nuclear heritage in its DNA.
“We hope the sale of Berkeley will be the first step in what could be a momentous development with several of the mini nuclear reactors (SMRs) on the site. This will benefit from having young trainee engineers studying on site at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, which will provide a ready-made base for the training and skills that the SMRs will require.
“The purchase by CVG is an early example of the new government’s much vaunted private sector investment, which we welcome.”
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