Multi-million pound plan for industrial estate
PLANS for a multi-million pound mixed-use development at Langthwaite Grange Industrial Estate in South Kirkby, Wakefield have been unveiled.
Yorkshire joint venture company, Landmark Castlevale has submitted the proposals to Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to progress essential development of the second phase at the business park.
The application proposes speculative development of 19 acres of employment land supported by five acres of residential development.
If planning is granted Landmark Castlevale hopes to start construction before the summer with completion anticipated in early 2009.
Over recent years both the local authority, regeneration agency Wakefield First and private sector companies have succeeded in improving the standing of Langthwaite Grange Industrial Estate. As a result the area is now more attractive to potential occupiers; however there are still significant obstacles remaining to further regeneration which Landmark Castlevale said its application seeks to resolve.
While recent investment in the first phase of development on the site has successfully attracted a number of new occupiers meaning there are few existing buildings now available for sale or to let, there is no land currently available for potential occupiers wanting to design and build premises to their individual requirements.
Richard Morton, director of Landmark Castlevale said: “It is my belief that the area has lost out in terms of major new occupiers to other locations due to there being no planning consent or indeed access to the second phase site which has been earmarked by the local authority for employment uses. In addition to opening up land to design and build opportunities we also intend to provide a range of modern high quality starter units, either to buy or to rent, for local occupiers or start-up businesses as well as improving highway access.
“I am convinced that if we can legally commit to the construction so that potential occupiers can be reassured by a definite programme of completion, which could be as early as the end of 2008, then further investment will come to Langthwaite Grange, providing a major boost for the local economy.”
Mr Morton added: “This is a multi-million pound investment in this previously depressed area, which we believe will make a significant contribution to the regeneration of South Kirkby to the benefit of the local residents. I look forward to pursuing this exciting project at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Martin Foster, director of Castlevale Properties, the second joint venture partner on the scheme, said: “The proposed development significantly improves the park's current proposition, not least by providing Langthwaite Grange's first dedicated residential component, which we see as a key part of the proposal.
“This is an ambitious development, however we are confident that there is more than enough demand in the area to ensure its viability. In the last few years, the area has undergone a dramatic transformation and this development is set to continue South Kirkby's regeneration attracting both jobs and residents to the area.”
