FAC FEATURE

Cody Technology Park (CTP) in Farnborough, recognized as the borough’s largest strategic employment area, is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at reinforcing its status as a centre of excellence for aerospace, defence, and technology businesses. The 407-acre freehold site, which offers around 1 million sq ft of facilities including R&D space and laboratories, was sold by QinetiQ Group plc to a fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners (TCP) for £112 million. QinetiQ remains fully committed to Farnborough as its Group headquarters and will continue as the principal tenant under a 15-year lease. TCP’s strategic vision involves a substantial capital expenditure investment programme to improve common areas and tenant accommodation for QinetiQ and the 96 other tenants, aiming to create a vibrant, forward-looking environment and establish CTP as the premier research and development campus for the aerospace and defence industries across the UK and Continental Europe. This major modernisation drive highlights the relevance of specialist FAC members like Cre8tive Space, which lists Aerospace & Defence among its core Workplace Design and Build services.

The Cody Technology Park (CTP) in Farnborough, a critical node within the UK's aerospace and defence landscape, has recently undergone a significant transformation, making it a key facility that members of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) should be familiar with. Positioned adjacent to Farnborough Airport and recognised as the borough’s largest employment area, CTP is cementing its status as a centre of excellence for aerospace, defence, and technology businesses.


A Major Investment and Renewed Focus


The biggest update for CTP is the recent change in ownership and the resulting commitment to massive capital investment.


On 30 September 2024, QinetiQ Group plc announced the sale and leaseback of the 407-acre freehold site. The site was sold to a fund (EPISO 6) managed by Tristan Capital Partners (TCP) for £112 million. While QinetiQ previously owned and maintained the whole site, it now remains the principal tenant, occupying approximately one-third of the space under a new 15-year lease. QinetiQ also maintains its Group headquarters and its status as a major science and technology centre in the UK at this location.


This transaction has triggered a major £40 million investment programme for CTP under the new ownership. Tristan Capital Partners, in partnership with XLB Property, aims to deliver a strategic investment programme to create a thriving, secure ecosystem for business and innovation. The goal is to reinforce CTP as the premier research and development campus for the aerospace and defence industries across the UK and Continental Europe.


The investment includes substantial capital expenditure to improve common areas, tenant accommodation, and the overall occupier experience for QinetiQ and the 96 other existing tenants. The business plan involves delivering a new masterplan centred around R&D, clean tech, and employment uses. Rushmoor Borough Council has welcomed the proposals, noting they involve the refurbishment of existing facilities and the delivery of new high-quality industrial units.


The CTP Ecosystem: Scale and Specialism


Cody Technology Park spans approximately 407 acres, offering around 1,000,000 sq ft of space. The site offers a variety of real estate, including:


  • R&D facilities.
  • Laboratories.
  • A wind tunnel.
  • Office space.
  • Manufacturing facilities.


The park is home to 96 other businesses besides QinetiQ, many of which operate in the high-tech sectors identified as key areas for economic growth by the Rushmoor Council.


Noteworthy tenants listed at the site (GU14 0LX) include:


  • Datum Data Centres (Datum Topco Limited / Datum Datacentres Ltd), which is noted as an occupier. The adjacent Ark Cody Park facility is modular, sustainable by design, and offers Tier-3 resilience data suites with a total compute capacity of 50 MW.
  • Several QinetiQ entities, such as Qinetiq Target Services Limited and Qinetiq Training And Simulation Limited.
  • Technology firms like Naimuri Limited, Ignition Technology Ltd, and Simplicity Ai Limited.
  • Aerospace and technology businesses such as HMG Aerospace Ltd and Royal Aircraft Establishment Aero Club Limited.
  • Goonhilly Earth Station opened an office at CTP in 2018 to expand its design engineering, consultancy, and manufacturing capabilities, focusing on deep space antenna array design, tracking space debris, and situational awareness.


The location also provides excellent quality of life amenities, including a gym, squash court, café, 200-seat restaurant, and extensive jogging and cycle routes within the 250-acre woodlands. The site itself encompasses a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) spanning 169 acres.



FAC Member Spotlight: Cre8tive Space


As CTP embarks on its major refurbishment and modernisation project, the expertise of companies focused on high-quality design and build is crucial.

Cre8tive Space, a specialist in Workplace Design and Build, operates within sectors highly relevant to CTP's core mission. Cre8tive Space specifically lists Aerospace & Defence as one of its core service areas, alongside Office


Design & Build and Specialist Projects.


Given the significant planned capital expenditure to improve tenant accommodation and common areas at CTP, Cre8tive Space’s expertise in creating innovative workplaces tailored for the demanding Aerospace and Defence sectors positions them as a key partner for companies modernising their presence within this leading technology park.


Cody Technology Park is situated strategically in Farnborough, the home of aerospace in the UK, offering diverse facilities for R&D, laboratories, and data centres. With the backing of Tristan Capital Partners and the long-term commitment of anchor tenant QinetiQ, CTP is set to reinforce its position as a vibrant, forward-looking strategic hub supporting the local economy and the UK’s aerospace and defence industries.