A MASTERPLAN is to be drawn up for the future development of Malvern Hills Science Park.

The 10-acre park, off Geraldine Road, Malvern, provides high-technology companies with an ideal environment in which to grow, and is a magnet for inward investment into the county.

The park is a joint venture between several partners, including science and technology organisation, QinetiQ, which employs 2,400 people on its 70-acre site adjacent to the science park.

Other partners include regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands (AWM) - which provided £472,000 to develop the first building on the site, the Innovation Centre - together with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, which helps science park companies with training, recruitment, legal matters and business intelligence.

Now, AWM and QinetiQ have undertaken a study to map out the development of the site and plan its long-term future.

A consultancy team, headed by consultants GVA Grimley, has been appointed to develop the master plan.

"The master plan will seek to maximise the potential and capacity for future building on the site and make the most of opportunities for encouraging new high-technology industries," said John Edwards, chief executive of AWM.

"Bringing additional high-technology industries and jobs into the region is a key priority and, undoubtedly, QinetiQ and Malvern Hills Science Park are massive success stories for the West Midlands.

"This study will give us a chance to assess where we go with the developments on the site so we can make the most of the wonderful opportunities ahead of us."

Steve Booth, regional estates manager at QinetiQ, said the master plan would provide a "blueprint" for development.

"As Europe's largest science and technology organisation, QinetiQ provides a great draw to the area for smaller, high-technology companies.

"The masterplan will provide a blueprint for further development and ensure more efficient land use at the site."

The QinetiQ site is one of the key developments in the Central Technology Belt - a high-technology corridor stretching from Birmingham to Malvern.

The aim of the belt is to attract more technology-based, high value-added businesses through the presence of research institutions, universities and property opportunities.

Alan Folwell, chief executive of the Central Technology Belt, said the survey group would be consulting widely to ensure its report was comprehensive.

"The study will provide a review of issues involved in the long-term development of a critical high technology site".