Bristol and Bath Science Park celebrates its first anniversary

Bristol and Bath Science Park in north Bristol has been celebrating its first anniversary with the unveiling of the world's largest solar chandelier.

Just one year after opening, the first phase of the science park in Emersons Green has been let more than twice as fast as anticipated. New international science and technology-based companies are about to move onto the park.

The 59 acre site acts as a hub for for the region's many science and technology businesses - connecting entrepreneurs, fledgling businesses and established brands with vital investors, academia and design.

It provides a professional and supportive environment for collaboration between universities and businesses to enable them to accelerate the commercialisation of new and applied technologies.

The Universities of Bath, Bristol and West of England are key stakeholders in the Science Park.

The chandelier is a major new work illustrating the link between science and art, creativity and innovation.

Created by the internationally acclaimed and Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram, who is famous for placing pianos in public spaces around the world, the five metre high chandelier will be suspended from the ceiling of the science park's three storey high, glass-fronted Forum building.

It is made up of 700 glass Crookes radiometers - individual glass bulbs containing metal paddles that spin when powered by sunlight - causing the chandelier to shimmer and flicker.

Watch a video of the chandelier, produced by Benjamin Croce, here:

The Forum, an iconic 11,000 square feet of glass atrium, provides a light spacious social centre for both companies based at the science park and the wider business community of Bristol and Bath.

Users of the building have access to conference rooms, a cafe and free WiFi.