| Work Detail |
WORK has begun on a £150million business park in Southend. The first phase preliminary works on the “game-changing” Airport Business Park Southend are underway and will pave the way for construction of the business park to begin in November. The new development is set to provide office accommodation for hi-tech businesses, as well as start-up companies and will create 7,500 jobs. There will also be the Anglia Ruskin Medtech campus, created to drive the growth of the medical technology business sector. John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, said: “These major infrastructure works are vital to allow this game-changing development to take place and this constitutes the first phase of construction of this exciting and vital project. “This project is strategically important for both Southend and the Rochford District, and will bring in significant public and private sector investment and generate thousands of new jobs in over 1million square feet of attractive, modern business premises in the area Southend Airport. “ Mr Lamb added: “It will further boost the regeneration of the borough, cementing Southend as a place to live, visit and do business, and open up employment opportunities for local people in skilled sectors such as advanced engineering, aviation and medical technology.” The preliminary work will see access to the new business park site created, via a new roundabout off Cherry Orchard Way. The first section of business park’s main “spine road” will also be built, along with utility and drainage works to serve the first development plots. Landscaping and the development of a sub-station will also be completed by spring 2017. Terry Cutmore, leader of Rochford District Council, said: “These infrastructure works form the first phase of a project which will ensure the Rochford District and Southend become renowned as a leading regional centre for the science, medical and technology sectors. “This is an exciting moment as we will begin to see the £150million business park taking shape, with the creation of access routes and a new sub-station. “Once completed, we envisage this development will create thousands of jobs, attract inward investment and bring lasting prosperity to the region.” Henry Boot Developments is funding the majority of the work.Kemsley LLP and Dedman Gray have been appointed to market the development in a joint venture by Southend Council and Henry Boot Developments |
