Rural estate becomes innovation hotspot

A Northumberland estate is flourishing as a rural innovation centre.

Harehope Estate’s 800sq metres of former agricultural buildings have been converted into Harehope AgTech Base, a high-quality workspace that blends the site’s rural character with contemporary and sustainable design. 

Set within the 6000-acre Harehope Farming Estate, located ten miles north of Alnwick, the site offers an inspiring environment for research, development and collaboration. 

Current tenants include Drone Ag, a UK-based AgTech company pioneering autonomous crop monitoring, as well as Hedgehope, a financial advice and wealth management firm expanding into Newcastle and London.

Jack Wrangham, chief executive of Drone Ag, said: “The Harehope AgTech base provides an ideal setting for Drone Ag’s continued growth and innovation. 

“The offices combine the rural heritage of the site with the modern infrastructure we need to advance agricultural technology. 

“It’s a place that fosters creativity, collaboration and progress, perfectly aligning with our mission to make farming more efficient and sustainable through technology.”

Simon Landale, director of Hedgehope, added: “Hedgehope is built on a commitment to deliver clarity, confidence and meaningful results for our clients.

“Our expansion marks an exciting step forward, allowing us to serve more people and businesses with the high standards of advice and personal service that define everything we do.”

Open since 2022, the estate now provides equipped offices, conference facilities, kitchen areas, gigabit broadband and an AgTech proving ground. 

Flexible tenancy options include hot-desking and private offices.

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