A plan to establish a new science park next to the headquarters of Rolls-Royce and “write a new chapter in the industrial history of Derby” was presented to potential investors on 14 March at a global property conference in Cannes.

Supported by the University of Derby, Derby City Council and local businesses, it is hoped that the University of Derby Science Park will become home to innovative start-ups and growing companies, bringing them together with “global companies and leading-edge academic researchers”.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “We are delighted to be able to support teams of academics and students, who will provide an extra dimension to engender innovation and develop world-class products.

“This opportunity to work in an outstanding facility with a group of innovators is very much welcomed, especially due to the proximity to the manufacturing bases of prestigious companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Bombardier and JCB.”

Situated on Infinity Park, just to the south of Derby, the park will have Enterprise Zone status, which offers financial incentives to start-ups. Studios and workshops between 200 and 10,000ft² will be available.

Derby City Council deputy leader Martin Rawson said: “None of the science parks that have already been built in the UK will be able to equal ours for the quality of collaboration and historical pedigree.

“From the Enlightenment onwards, Derby has been a centre for forward-thinking that has led the world, and it still does — particularly in the arenas of aerospace, automobile, maritime and rail.

“The jobs created on the science park will be of the very highest quality and will prove that Derby is leading the industrial digital revolution.”