THE progress of a York research centre which uncovers commercial value from waste has been praised by science minister Greg Clark.

Mr Clark, minister for universities, sciences and cities, visited York yesterday to award £122.2 million of Local Growth Deal funding to the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership.

During his visit, Mr Clark was given a tour of the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), based at York Science Park.

The BDC helps businesses develop ways to convert plants, microbes and biowastes into profitable bio-based products.

Using cutting-edge science and technology, the BDC bridges the gap between academia and industry to assist companies both in development and scale-up of new greener processes and products.

Mr Clark said: “I am delighted to have had the chance to visit this innovative centre and to meet those working at the forefront of the bio-renewable industry.

“Through bringing ambitious businesses together with leading academics, the centre is supporting the UK’s ambition to grow a high value bioeconomy, and I look forwarding to seeing its progress.”