This is Leicestershire --The developers behind an innovation centre being built on the city's outskirts say they are confident of attracting high-profile businesses to the site.
The 15,000sq ft development is costing £2.3 million to construct on land off Abbey Lane, overlooking the National Space Centre.
Developers Sowden Group, of Leicester, have said 150 jobs could be created at the centre, including highly-skilled positions for graduates and trainees, after it opens in the autumn.
The centre will offer open plan office space designed to for hi-tech firms.
Last week, city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby visited the site for a ceremonial turning of the sod.
Roy Coley, managing director of the Sowden Group, said: "It covers two floors and could split into two separate areas or four.
"We are focusing it on hi-tech businesses and people associated with research and development.
"We have had a fair amount of interest with four or five different agents looking at it.
"I'm confident we will get some good-quality businesses in because we have the kind of car parking you would get at an out-of-town industrial park, but we are in the centre."
The Business Innovation centre is on land designated for Leicester Science Park.
Already under construction close by is Leicester City Council's £5.9 million Innovation Workspace, aimed at fledgling science and technology companies, and plans have been approved for an Asda supermarket, which will also be developed by the Sowden Group.
Mr Coley said the council's project and his own would not conflict with each other.
He said: "We have been talking to their people and from a science park point of view these projects can all feed off each other. Ours is for a few more established businesses, whereas the council's project is designed to accommodate lots of start-up businesses.
"By the time the centre opens, the council's centre will be finished and hopefully the supermarket, too. The approach now is very much 'let's get the thing up and running'."
The centre, road access and a pedestrian bridge across the canal is being built by GF Tomlinson and William Davis.
Paul Fish, director of GF Tomlinson, said: "GF Tomlinson is delighted to have taken on this project.
"It is a great opportunity to be able to create an environment where businesses can establish themselves and develop to support the local economy of the city."
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "We are committed to developing Leicester Innovation and Technology Park at Abbey Meadows.
"I wish the project every success." Reported by This is 1 day ago.