South Bank Technopark

Hidden in plain sight on London Road, the South Bank Technopark isn’t just another building. It’s a testament to a vision. A vision of Dr. John Beishon, former Director of South Bank Polytechnic. He dreamed of a technology hub, a place where innovation could flourish. And in 1985, that dream materialized as the South Bank Technopark. This wasn’t just any tech center. It was the first of its kind to be spearheaded by a Polytechnic. The project secured funding from unexpected sources. The Sainsbury Foundation and the Department of Trade & Industry initially backed the project in 1980. Later, the Prudential Assurance Company invested a substantial £7 million, allowing the vision to fully unfold. The construction involved a unique ceremony. The Mayor and Mayoress of Southwark buried a time capsule, a symbolic act marking the commencement of this pioneering endeavor. The South Bank Technopark opened its doors in two phases. The first phase launched in December 1985, inaugurated by Geoffrey Pattie, then Minister of State for Industry & Information Technology. Phase two followed in September 1987, with Lord Young of Gaffham, Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, presiding over the opening. Today, the South Bank Technopark continues to serve London South Bank University. It houses key administrative offices, including the Vice-Chancellor’s office, and provides a dynamic workspace for various businesses. In 2007, the building welcomed a new addition. Lord David Triesman inaugurated the Admissions & Recruitment Centre, further solidifying the Technopark’s role in the university’s growth and development. So, next time you pass the South Bank Technopark, remember the vision behind its brick and mortar. It’s a story of innovation, collaboration, and the enduring pursuit of knowledge.