Warton Enterprise Zone

Warton Enterprise Zone (EZ), featuring the University of Lancashire’s Altitude facility

The Warton Enterprise Zone (EZ), featuring the Altitude facility, is a thriving ecosystem that brings together industry, entrepreneurs, leading academic and government institutions to advance next-generation technology and skills capability in the exploitation of future aviation and space markets. The site includes the defence and technology prime, BAE Systems, alongside the University of Lancashire’s Altitude facility, which pioneers a new cluster of future air and space technology.

 A recent PWC Validation study confirmed the Warton EZ site had the potential to deliver significant regional benefits, across multiple aviation high growth technology platforms. This includes capturing new revenue and investment from future aviation and space technology markets, with the unmanned aerial systems market expected to grow at 8% per annum, contributing £45 billion to the UK economy by 2030. Fostering an innovative and collaborative ecosystem between private, public, and academic sectors will support the development of the regional STEM talent pipeline, create resilient sovereign supply chains and create new employment opportunities. Significant public and private funding is needed for infrastructure to support cutting-edge capabilities.

Altitude features one of Europe’s largest indoor netted environments for Unmanned Aerial System design and testing, alongside research labs, classrooms, a business incubation hub, and a multi-use event space.

The goals are to deliver industry-leading technologies, foster collaboration, and enhance lifelong learning. The impact of this initiative kickstarts wider Warton EZ activities, leveraging strengths in aerospace, space, engineering, and cyber application sectors.

Through the Growth Plan, we aim to capture investment to accelerate regional development and next-generation technology opportunities. Leveraging Warton EZ and Altitude will boost the skilled workforce, partnerships, and growth. Enhancing the University of Lancashire’s teaching and research in next-generation technology will improve regional workforce development and business offerings. Promoting and attracting international investment and partners will further support these initiatives.