The UK Space Agency announces new headquarters and regional offices

The UK Space Agency is opening a new headquarters in Harwell, Oxfordshire, as well as regional offices in Scotland, Wales and the Midlands to support the space sector across the UK.

In line with the Government’s Leveling Up Strategy, the expansion will enable the Agency to work more closely with the UK’s thriving space sector, while supporting regional skills and employment opportunities to deliver increasingly ambitious missions and capabilities.

The UK space sector is growing faster than the rest of the UK economy. It is worth over £17.5 billion a year and employs over 45,000 people, while satellites provide £360 billion a year to wider economic activity.

The new headquarters in Harwell is due to open in June, while offices at William Morgan House in Cardiff and Space Park Leicester will open in April, while the office at Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh will open later in the summer.

Andrew Griffith MP, Space Minister at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, said:

Harwell’s Space Cluster is already a hub of collaboration with more than 100 thriving research organizations and 1,400 jobs, making it the ideal location for the UK Space Agency’s new headquarters.

At the same time, our space sector has grown significantly across all parts of the UK and new offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Leicester will serve the talented space explorers and innovators across the country, whilst creating more jobs, growing our local economy and strengthening the UK’s scientific superpower ambitions .

Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:

This is a turning point for the UK Space Agency as it responds directly to feedback that the agency should be embedded in the sector. Our new headquarters, located in the UK’s largest space cluster in Harwell, will be linked to regional offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Leicester, as well as our existing teams in London and Swindon, helping us to recruit space talent from across the country and deliver the national space strategy .

This puts the UK Space Agency at the heart of the space sector we serve, driving growth, improving relationships with regional organizations and supporting a strong, diverse and connected sector.

We have seen a significant increase in space organizations across the UK and it is vital that we promote their skills and expertise to ensure we continue this journey.

The new structure will create significant opportunities to expand high-growth areas such as Earth observation and satellite broadband. It will also help the UK take early leadership in emerging markets such as in-orbit spacecraft servicing, active space debris removal and the new lunar economy, so we can help shape a greener, smarter and more inclusive sector.

The agency retains offices in London and Swindon.

John Hanley, Chairman of UKspace, said:

The agency’s decision to relocate its headquarters will strengthen Harwell’s reputation as a major international space hub. Additionally, it will enable many UKspace members based in the Space Cluster to have closer collaboration and support from the agency.

In addition, the opening of three regional offices in key locations will inevitably help expand the UK space sector ecosystem, as space-based companies in these regions benefit from the opportunity to interact more frequently with agency employees.

Stuart Grant, Managing Director of Harwell Campus, said:

We are delighted to welcome the UK Space Agency to the thriving space cluster of over 100 organizations at Harwell Campus. Their presence solidifies the campus’s position as a leading international space center and will help leverage synergies, drive innovation and foster partnerships with key industry players.

As set out in the Space Industrial Plan, the Government is committed to continuing its support for space clusters across the UK and providing the necessary tools to drive collaboration between them and stimulate further investment.

Dr. Barbara Ghinelli, Director of the UKRI-STFC and Harwell Campus Innovation Clusters, said:

The UK Space Agency joining the Harwell Campus is not just about engaging with our thriving community, but also about becoming an integral part of shaping the future of space exploration. It’s about contributing to a collective vision, shared worldwide, of pushing our boundaries and tackling real-world problems through partnership, creativity and innovation.

UK Government Scottish Secretary Donald Cameron said:

The Scottish space sector continues to thrive. The latest figures show an increase in incomes of almost £40 million and more than 100 new high-skilled jobs with support from the UK Government. I welcome the UK Space Agency’s opening of its first permanent Scottish office in Edinburgh and look forward to working closely together as this exciting sector continues to grow.

Welsh Minister David TC Davies said:

I am delighted that the UK Space Agency is opening an office in Cardiff to support the rapidly growing space sector in Wales. The UK government has made significant investments in companies such as Space Forge in Cardiff and in research programs at Welsh universities. We have built talent and expertise and it is great to see support coming to Wales to help the sector grow and develop.

Dr. Hina Khan, chief executive of Space Scotland, said:

The opening of the UK Space Agency’s new office in Scotland is warmly welcomed by Space Scotland. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and encouraging greater involvement of the UK Space Agency in the development of the Scottish space ecosystem.

We are excited about the opportunities this closer collaboration will bring as we work hand in hand to leverage Scotland’s strengths and expertise. By encouraging greater connectivity and collaboration, we can drive innovation, create new jobs and take Scotland’s space sector to even greater heights.

Space Wales CEO John Whalley said:

The opening of the UK Space Agency’s Cardiff office represents a transformative opportunity for the Welsh space sector. With over 85 space-related organizations across the country, this is not only an opportunity to reinforce our achievements, but also to initiate further partnerships with the UK Space Agency to take the Welsh space sector to new levels.