Work progresses on major technology park
Work on developing a major agricultural technology park at Newport in Telford, which could create 950 jobs, is making rapid progress with phase one of the building programme due to be completed by the autumn.
Work on the roads and infrastructure around the Ni.PARK site is complete, while Shrewsbury-based developer Morris Properties is on track to complete the first phase of the 416,778 sq ft construction project.
This will see the creation of 41,441 sq ft of floor space for small business units to cater for agri-tech and enterprise operations.
Telford & Wrekin Council is now launching a marketing campaign to attract new companies to the site.
Cllr David Wright, cabinet member for economy, housing, transport and infrastructure, said: “We are already seeing strong interest for the first 24 units that will be completed at Ni.PARK, which will consolidate the borough’s reputation as a national investment hotspot for agricultural technology businesses.
“Phase 1 will be completed this autumn, while a partial handover is due as early as July to help us cater for demand.
“A fresh marketing brochure has been produced for circulation around the UK and abroad as we attract both leading names in the agri-tech industry and new companies on the cutting edge of new technologies.”
The Ni.PARK site has been identified by the Government’s Department of International Trade as an international focus for new foreign inward investment in this emerging sector.
Supported by £7.36m of funding from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership under the Local Growth Fund as part of the wider Newport Innovation and Enterprise package, the scheme has also attracted a £1m contribution from Homes England.
As a result, the initial infrastructure work has opened up 25 acres of serviced employment land within Newport with outline planning consent.
Mandy Thorn, chair of the Marches LEP, said: “We are delighted to see the fantastic progress being made on this hugely important project. It is further evidence of the Marches LEP’s commitment to investing in innovation and schemes which deliver sustainable, high-value jobs.
“This is a flagship development in the agri-tech sector nationally and will bring far-reaching benefits to our region for years to come.”
