PRESSING ahead with plans for a science park on the outskirts of Exeter is vital if the city is to capitalise when the economy recovers, say those behind the project.

More details and images of the scheme have been unveiled at a public exhibition to get feedback before a planning application is made in three months.

If the plans are approved, work on clearing the site to the north east of junction 29 of the M5 would begin early next year, with the first phase of the science park opening in 2011.

It is hoped that 200 people will work there initially, with more jobs created in the local economy in catering, cleaning and other support services. Over the next 20 years, the park could create 3,700 jobs, with around 2,000 people directly employed by companies based there.

Ian Thompson, Devon area director for the South West Regional Development Agency, said: "Exeter Science Park and Exeter as a centre of research and innovation is of strategic importance to the region.

"It is particularly important at this time to be getting on with this project to show confidence in the economy and to put the infrastructure in place so the region is in the best possible position for when recovery comes."

The RDA is investing £20m in infrastructure with another £5m coming from park project partners Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, the Met Office and the University of Exeter. Private developers will then build offices, a hotel and other facilities on site.

The county council's Mike Phillips, who has been overseeing preparation of the planning application, said the main issues likely to concern nearby residents were the visual impact on Sowton and whether Blackhorse Lane should be kept open to through traffic.

"The purpose of the exhibition is to engage with the public and for them to give us feedback so that when the application goes in we have dealt with the possibility of objections," he said.

University registrar David Allen, chairman of the science park steering group, said: "This is a hugely significant development for the future of the Devon economy.

"To give an idea of scale, the university directly employs nearly 3,000 people and contributes more than £300m a year to the economy. The science park has the potential to create nearly 4,000 jobs, so will become a major economic asset for the region."

Project coordinator Michelle Hale said a marketing plan was being devised to attract businesses with most expected to come from within 30 miles of Exeter.

George Dundon, of architect LDA Design, said the park would have a community feel and flexible accommodation so businesses could grow there. The exhibition continues at the Gipsy Hill Hotel, Exeter, today, 10.30am to 4pm.