MALVERN Hills Science Park wants a buyer to purchase the site on which it is situated from current landlord QinetiQ.

Park manager Nigel Shaw said the move would safeguard its aims of providing a long-term home for high-tech firms.

He said that although QinetiQ had always been a benevolent landlord, its priorities may change as a result of its privatisation. Bosses keen to realise maximum profits from its assets could decide to use the science park land for another purpose.

He added that the park itself did not want to tie money up in purchasing the land, as it would rather invest it in developing facilities.

An organisation called Birmingham-Worcester Technology Corridor Investment Vehicle has been identified as a potential buyer for the £2.1 million freehold.

However, QinetiQ has not agreed to the sale.

"There's a commitment between QinetiQ and the science park to provide land and at this stage I see no reason why that would change," said QinetiQ press officer Douglas Millard.