New business park targets 1,000 jobs
Almost one thousand new jobs could be created in Shropshire under plans being considered for a new business park in the county.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans for the new facility in Newport are being fast-tracked after the authority secured more than £9m in economic development funding.
The £9.3m funding for the Newport Enterprise Package, provided by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership through the Midlands Engine, will play a major role in moving the plans forward and acting as a catalyst for secure further inward investment.
The council is working closely with Harper Adams University and the Agri Tech Industry Partnership to promote the site to potential investors. It hopes to submit a planning application in the autumn.
Given the demand for industrial property across the borough, the council is also considering investing directly into the site to deliver starter/incubation units suitable for a range of investors.
Indicative plans for the site have been prepared to illustrate the potential opportunities available.
The council is also working with UK inward investment managers in marketing the site.
The new business park is expected to provide space for a range of firms including start-ups and smaller businesses, as well as larger occupiers.
While the Midlands Engine funding will provide £6.3m, the additional £3m will come from the Telford Land Deal between Telford & Wrekin Council and the Homes & Communities Agency as well as developer contributions.
Cllr Shaun Davies said; “We are keen to move forward with the delivery of this employment site as soon as possible in order to deliver the much-needed jobs.
“As part of this process, we are engaging with community groups to help shape the development that comes forward.
“This is another significant investment by the council into Newport. Last year we took on the Audley Avenue Enterprise Park ensuring it remains for business use, keeping hundreds of jobs in Newport and this has been welcomed by the site’s tenants, who continue to thrive.”
The investment, supported by the LEP’s latest Growth Deal with Government, follows other major projects in Telford and Wrekin including:
• the opening of the new MoD Logistics Hub at Donnington; and
• further growth at areas such as T54, which has attracted the new multi-million pound Magna and Polytec investments that will create 400 new jobs in their first phase. The Magna site is now under construction and is due to open next year.
