More than 100 businesses attended the initial expressions of interest event in Motherwell this week, aimed at attracting cutting-edge businesses to become involved in the revolutionary innovation park.

A diverse range of companies from across Scotland including architects, housebuilders, insulation manufacturers, timber firms and property developers were in attendance and many have already registered their interest in becoming involved in the project.

Ravenscraig Ltd and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) are behind the initiative, which will feature a housing demonstration project incorporating new technology which addresses a range of environmental issues.

BRE Scotland associate director Laura Birrell said: "We're delighted at the response we've received to this first stage of the process.

"We were able to attract companies involved in all areas of the construction sector and the feedback on the day was very positive.

"The next stage in the process will involve collating the expressions of interest and assessing their suitability, pulling together a programme for delivery and identifying the potential for partnership working between interested companies."

Murray Collins of Ravenscraig Ltd said: "One of the key elements of our vision for Ravenscraig is to provide truly innovative homes for the future which both meet the needs of the people who will live there and address issues such as energy efficiency, recycling, emissions and sustainability.

"This project offers a tremendous opportunity to focus on enhancing the health and wellbeing of the people who will live and work in the area and, at the same time, will allow us to showcase what can be achieved by Scottish companies in terms of housing excellence, design and innovation.

"The industry's very positive response to this event demonstrates the extent of the opportunities on offer and we look forward to working with our partners at BRE Scotland to realise the vision we have for the Ravenscraig site."

Construction work on the innovation park is scheduled to begin in 2009 and will be completed during 2010.