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BUSINESS PARK BOOST: Richard Leese

ICL move saves 2,000 city jobs

21/ 2/2002

Two thousand jobs at computing giant ICL have been safeguarded by the company's move to a £35m new building at the North Manchester Business Park.

In a widely-tipped deal, the company - set to take its Japanese owner's name, Fujitsu, in a few weeks' time - will move to its new location to complement its position as a major national and international IT services provider.

Richard Reed, director of corporate infrastructure at ICL, said: "At one stage, we thought of moving out of Manchester, but our business base here is too strong and the idea was dropped rapidly.

"The new location will enable ICL to consolidate its Manchester operation and transfer its staff to a quality business park."

The 400-acre business park in Monsall is seen as crucial step in the regeneration of East Manchester.

As well as new offices, it will include a new Technology Institute to be operated by the Manchester Science and Enterprise Centre and MANCAT.

Jobs

Eventually, the park is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs, providing unique access to training opportunities in high-technology fields to ensure local people are able to access the employment, education and training opportunities there.

City council leader Richard Leese said: "ICL's decision is a tremendous vote of confidence in the business park and the East Manchester area generally."

The business park is being developed by a joint venture between Manchester-based developers Ask and international business park specialists Akeler.

Ask/Akeler are already in talks with two other major companies.

Ask chief executive Ken Knott said: "It is testimony to North Manchester Business Park's emerging position as a top regional business destination that ICL has committed to establishing a substantial presence there."

ICL's existing offices in Gorton will be sold. The site could be redeveloped as a new business location creating yet more local jobs. Tom Russell, chief executive at regeneration agency New East Manchester Ltd, said: "The Gorton site has the potential for a major development fronting on to Hyde Road."