Work at Shropshire business park could bring up to 600 jobs
Work is continuing to transform a business park in Shropshire as part of a scheme which could eventually create 600 new jobs.
Shrewsbury-based developer Redstart Construction Limited has been developing land at the Tern Valley Business Park in Market Drayton.
A planning application has been submitted to Shropshire Council to create seven small offices on the site.
Meanwhile, construction has already begun on small starter units as well as a purpose-built factory unit for a local company.
Last year, developers said about 40 people would be employed for up to three years on the development, dependent on demand for business units.
But once complete, the second phase development of the business park will create more than 200,000 square feet of floor space and about 600 jobs.
Companies from the town and from further afield are now being offered the chance to move onto the site, which cost £3.5 million to build.
Plots, which are available on 999-year leases, are being marketed by Shrewsbury-based commercial agents Halls.
Shropshire Council, which signed an agreement with the developer, said work is well under way.
Chris Hill, from the council's business and enterprise team, said: "Construction has started on the small starter units, with a number of sales ahead of completion.
"Seven small offices are proposed on the frontage of the site. The units will be self-contained and will come fully fitted up to an office spec."
Mr Hill added that a purpose-built factory unit is also being built for a local company on a "design and build basis".
Documents in support of the planning application say: "The proposal consists of a storey block split into seven units to accommodate office and professional work space.
"The site includes areas for refuse storage, cycle racks and staff/customer parking.
"The proposed development sits within the designated extension to Tern Valley Business Park and the proposed use classes are required as direct response from potential tenants for the need to provide professional and office work space."
Shropshire Council hopes to make a decision by March 2.
Councillor Tim Beckett, mayor of Market Drayton, said he was delighted to see the area be developed and welcomed the creation of jobs.
The old Shropshire County Council agreed to create phase two of the business park, which had backing from Advantage West Midlands, in 2008.
It follows the success of the first phase, which is home to Muller Wiseman.
