Plans have been unveiled for the NauteXe Extreme Environment Centre (NEEC), a nationally significant development proposed for Exeter Science Park. The project is forecast to generate £274 million in direct gross value added (GVA) between 2028 and 2043, rising to more than £500 million when wider supply chain and economic multiplier effects are included.
The centre is being developed by NauteXe Global and will feature a research and development test tank measuring 60 metres by 40 metres, with depths of up to 30 metres.
Designed to support organisations operating in complex and hazardous environments, the facility will allow technologies to be tested in controlled conditions that replicate environments ranging from the deep ocean floor to offshore wind installations and space.
The test tank will be capable of simulating currents, waves and wind, supporting organisations working across defence, offshore wind, subsea industries and space.
The proposed facility would be built at Exeter Science Park, part of the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, on a site adjacent to Junction 29 of the M5. Plans also include an engineering and laboratory building to support business growth and supply chain development.
A planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of 2026, with the centre scheduled for completion in 2029.
An independent strategic outline business case prepared by Henham Strategy estimates the project will support hundreds of jobs during construction and early operation before growing to more than 70 permanent roles once fully operational.
NauteXe Global, Exeter Science Park and its shareholders – Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council and the University of Exeter – together with Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding supporting the project.
The development will be funded through private investment and project finance, alongside grant support during the development stage. NauteXe Global has also secured match-funded grant support through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator.
Marc Drew, chief executive of NauteXe Global, said: “A sovereign UK facility capable of delivering controlled, high-fidelity, repeatable extreme-environment testing at scale does not currently exist. That capability gap is slowing innovation across sectors that are strategically vital to the UK’s future resilience, security and economic growth.
“This facility will help address this national challenge by providing infrastructure that supports faster development, validation and deployment of technologies across defence, subsea critical infrastructure protection, offshore energy and autonomous systems.”
Marc added: “Selecting Exeter Science Park as the location for the NauteXe Extreme Environment Centre is a significant strategic advantage for NauteXe Global. It places us at the heart of the South West’s growing corridor of innovation.
“Its connectivity, with immediate access to the M5 and proximity to Exeter Airport, together with the established ecosystem at the site, made it an ideal location for a facility of this kind.
“The South West is increasingly recognised as the UK’s centre for maritime autonomy and uncrewed systems and sits adjacent to the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind zone, making it uniquely positioned to support the next generation of dual-use capability development, testing and operational readiness.”
Lindsay Lucas, chief executive of Exeter Science Park, said: “This is a nationally significant project which will be of strategic importance to the region. It aligns strongly with Exeter Science Park’s mission to generate high-value jobs, drive productivity and deliver lasting economic growth.
“The South West is home to world-leading universities and genuinely groundbreaking research which create a unique environment for this facility to thrive.
“In addition, our region has deep expertise in the critically important sectors it will serve and the selection of Exeter Science Park as the location means the South West is perfectly placed to capture the full economic and employment benefits it will bring.”
