The idea was first promoted in 1979, as a way to extend the University's long-standing policy of working closely with industry. An environment similar to that initially developed in the USA and brought to Britain when Cambridge Science Park was established in the late 1960s was envisaged. Discussions with the local and county planning authorities began in 1980. The following year's county Structure Plan included a policy for the development of 70 acres (28.5 hectares). The planning permission restricted the use to:

"carrying out research, development and design activities, in any science, including the social sciences that is complimentary to the activities of the University of Surrey".

The strategic objectives, a Master Plan and Development Manual were agreed with the planning authorities. Three stakeholders were envisaged from the outset: the University, the planning authority and tenant companies.