Plans Set for $3.5B-Funded Science Park

MEXICALI, MEXICO-Silicon Border Development and ING Clarion Partners have finalized plans for a science park here that recently secured $3.5 billion in financing from solar-cell manufacturer Q-Cells. The four-phase project, called the Silicon Border Science Park, is scheduled for a 10-year build out.

The development is targeted to cater to solar, LCD, nanotechnology, aerospace and semiconductor companies. For now, the firms are concentrating on its solar investment, and the developers hope to make it a solar-technology destination with solar power plants.

Work is underway on the project’s first phase, which is the installation of infrastructure, at a cost of $35 million. ING Clarion, part of the Netherlands-based ING Group, is funding the infrastructure costs and will provide build-to-suit lease for firms interested in locating at Silicon Border. Other plans include a university, training and research facilities, recreation areas and a clubhouse.