As well as having its own train terminal and being close to major road networks in the East Midlands, Potter Space’s business park in Ely can now boast being on the route of the world’s most famous boat race and helping to broadcast it to millions of viewers around the world.
Those watching this year’s 166th Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge will have seen that, instead of the Thames, the venue was switched to the Great Ouse. This change enabled the race to go ahead in a COVID-secure way.
The event usually attracts more than 250,000 spectators. This year, however, it was closed to spectators, but it was still seen by millions, as Potter Space played host to the BBC outside broadcast team for the live broadcast.
The Potter Space Ely business park was chosen by the BBC as it right next to the river and perfectly placed next to the start of the race. In addition, the BBC team was impressed with the office facilities, which enabled them to set up the studio and accommodate the huge amount of equipment needed to broadcast such a high-profile event. The extensive on-site parking was also invaluable for the huge fleet of vehicles involved.
At just over three miles, the course is shorter than the 4.2-mile Thames course, but it certainly made it a close and exciting race with Cambridge winning both the men’s and women’s races.
Managing director of Potter Space, Jason Rockett, said,
“We were delighted the BBC chose us as its base for the outside broadcast. As well as providing offices and industrial warehouses on the business park, we can now claim to be the perfect place to broadcast sporting events across the world!
“The 70-acre site is extremely popular, due to its strategic location serving the south east of England, with rail links to the port of Felixstowe and the M11, A14 and A1 nearby. The Boat Race has highlighted that we can also provide the transportation of freight via the Great Ouse.
“We don’t think there will be many business parks in the UK that can boast road, rail and water as possible ways of transportation for its customers.”
