Watershed moment for new enterprise zone
WATERSHED Packaging is set to become the first business to take space on the Aire Valley Leeds enterprise zone.
The company is to relocate from its existing Leeds facility to a new manufacturing base at Thornes Farm, one of four sites that make up the enterprise zone.
It intends to create up to 40 new jobs at the 25,000 sq ft unit and will have the option of doubling its size,
Firms moving to the enterprise zone benefit from reduced business rates for five years alongside other business support measures.
Neil Mclean, chairman of the Leeds City Region local enterprise partnership said: “Located in the Leeds City Region, the enterprise zone is an ideal location for business relocation and expansion. As well as the incentives on offer, it’s a great strategic location, close to Leeds with superb transport connections.
“The enterprise zone significantly strengthens the Leeds City Region’s offer as a location for business and investment. As it develops, the Aire Valley Leeds enterprise zone will be key to delivering our ambitions to develop a world-leading, dynamic economy delivering high value jobs and growth.”
Plans for an “advanced medical park” to occupy part of the enterprise zone are underway and the council has already approved funding for a new road to help develop the Logic Leeds site.
Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for development and economy, said: “This is an important first step in realising the potential of the enterprise zone to attract investment, drive growth and create new jobs for the people of Leeds and the wider city region.
“We expect more good news to follow in the next few months as companies already located within the area of the enterprise zone bring forward plans for expanding their operations there and work starts on developing the Logic Leeds site.”
