The University of Worcester (UW) has announced that it has acquired a 47-acre (19-hectare) site on the outskirts of the city, which it intends to transform into a new business, science and sports park.

An indoor sports complex and playing fields is included in the 10-year scheme, which will be situated at Grove Farm in St John's, more than a mile from the university's St John's campus. Former landowner Tesco has retained part of the site, which has already been granted outline planning permission for the development of a business park, although the university now wants to also expand its sporting and scientific facilities.

UW vice chancellor, David Green, said: "We have the chance to create an excellent facility, which will create many new high quality job opportunities and a wealth of business, sporting and scientific opportunities. "It is an exciting acquisition for the University of Worcester and we look forward to working with partners to turn this land into a jobs dynamo for Worcester."

The university now expects to consult the local community in the coming months into its plans for the long-term development of the site, while the remaining land retained by Tesco could be developed into a park and ride facility by Worcestershire County Council (WCC). WCC cabinet member with responsibility for planning, economy and performance, added: "We are committed to making Worcester a first rank cathedral and university city, and so welcome proposals that will help turn this vision into reality."