BAM Construction is to build a £6.5 million office block at the rapidly expanding Plymouth Science Park that will create jobs and boost the local economy.

The contractor, which has offices in Exeter, will deliver the 2,500 sq m state-of-the-art building as phase five of Plymouth Science Park.

It will feature modern, comfortable office space; state-of-the-art technology; and communal spaces designed to foster collaboration.

The company will work with local labour and apprentices, as well as aiming to provide opportunities to subcontractors in the area. The project is due to start in August 2015 and complete a year later.

Plymouth Science Park is a joint venture between Plymouth University and Plymouth City Council and is part of the Growth Acceleration and Investment Network (GAIN). It is home to more than 70 businesses employing 750 people.

The development is being funded by the partners with funding from the first round of the Growth Deal made by Government to the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.

BAM Construction Director, Graham Kingdon, said: “BAM is delighted to be working on this exciting development for the thriving science sector in Plymouth.

“We have already worked hard to cut the length of the construction programme and to ensure the client’s ambitions for this development are fully met. We now look forward to working hard to ensure the scheme benefits the local economy and environment throughout its construction and end use.”

Sustainability measures will include solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation and high-performance wall insulation panels.