Construction work begins on innovation park

Building work will start on the Newport Innovation Park in Telford next month as a £4.32m construction project gets under way.

Infrastructure work which started earlier this year has now been completed unlocking 25 acres of employment land within Newport.

Following a competitive tender, Shropshire company Morris Property has been chosen by Telford & Wrekin Council to build more than 41,000 sq ft of industrial units under the first phase of the project.

It is designed to deliver 24 units with a focus on supporting the fast-growing agri-tech sector.

Ni.PARK is a key element in the Newport Innovation and Enterprise Package, backed jointly by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and Telford & Wrekin Council.

Cllr David Wright, cabinet member for economy, housing, transport and infrastructure, said:“We identified there was a need in the market for such a development.

“Ni.PARK will provide space for a range of potential occupiers including start-ups, smaller businesses and larger occupiers especially suited to the agricultural sector. Harper Adams University, a world class specialist university at the forefront of future food production, food processing, animal sciences, engineering, land management and sustainable business is the ideal partner to help deliver Ni.PARK.

“We are confident Ni.PARK will consolidate the borough’s reputation as an investment hotspot.

“The initial ground works have been completed on time and on budget, clearing the way for Morris Property to begin work in January on the construction of Phase 1.

James West, chief operating officer at Morris Property, said: “We’re delighted to secure the Phase 1 contract for the much-anticipated Newport Innovation Park. We have worked successfully with Telford and Wrekin Council on a number of design and build projects in recent years and aim to bring our experience in building high quality start-up units, such as those proposed, to deliver this project on time and on budget.”