A HIGH-TECH business park in the county has been so successful it could be expanding.

The Malvern Hills Science Park employs more than 2,000 scientists and is home to fast-growing high-tech companies.

The region's development agency, Advantage West Midlands (AWM), this week announced it would be considering plans to extend it.

AWM will undertake a feasibility study into the commercial viability of the expansion proposals.

"There is no doubt that the science park has been a real success story," said Mark Pearce, from AWM.

"It is important for the regional economy that the West Midlands is home to cutting-edge businesses who will be providing the jobs of the future.

"The current tenants are keen for the site to be extended so that established businesses are able to grow and develop and there is the provision of space for more business start-ups.

Extended

The science park adjoins the QinetiQ site - the former Defence Evaluation - and Research Agency (DERA) and would be extended by about 30,000sq ft.

It is less than three years old and is home to 20 high-tech companies employing more than 150 research staff.

Its proximity to the 2,000 scientists at QinetiQ means it has the opportunity to develop more new spin-off businesses.

"Advantage West Midlands is very keen to consider investment into the site and realises the serious potential of providing additional space for existing tenants and also to assist in attracting new business start-ups," continued Mr Pearce.

"We are keen to help the site grow and develop, with key input from our local partners, which include Worcestershire County Council, the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Malvern Hills District Council.

He said the best way of achieving this was to commission a study, which would be underway by September.

Results would be ready by December.

"The study will be given the task of detailing specific levels of need and demand for further development at the site and will then advise AWM on what role and investment it needs to make as the regional development agency," added Mr Pearce.