Huge new factory could be built in Telford
A huge new factory, two thirds the size of JLR's engine plant, could be built in Telford, under plans revealed today.
The 600,000 sq ft plant is earmarked for the T54 development site near Stafford Park in Telford and could provide a huge employment boost for the county.
The company intending to use the factory has not been identified, with the application being submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council by the Homes and Communities Agency.
But the site, which is being established as a key development point for businesses in Telford, has already welcomed innovative manufacturers to its doors, and the latest move could potentially deliver more of the same.
In a statement accompanying the application, the HCA said: "The scheme will result in new habitat creation while maintaining key green corridors. It will create a pleasant working environment for those employed at the site, whilst offering a range of transport options.
"It will result in the creation of new jobs in the area, putting the employment area on the map for key employers."
The site is around 60,000 square metres in size, which would make it one of the biggest individual plants in the town.
By comparison, Jaguar Land Rover's engine plant beside the M54 nearby is around 100,000 square metres.
The new factory could become home to one employer or be split into two separate units.
T54 is in Naird Lane, opposite the entrance to the Stafford Park Industrial Estate between Junction 4 of the M54 and Queensway.
The site was already home to some significant local employers, including Torus Measurement Systems and crime prevention specialist SmartWater.
Since the development land was launched by the HCA, other businesses have begun to build their own factories on the site, with Axyz Automation becoming the first newcomer to T54 last month.
Bridgnorth-based manufacturer Filtermist is also close to completing its own new factory on the site, with an official opening pencilled in for the autumn.
HCA spokesman Lisa Cattanach said: "The emerging business park at T54 is arranged into seven plots. Plot 6 is the largest at 14.97ha and capable of delivering a large employment development.
"As such, the HCA has applied for outline planning permission for this plot to get the site ready for potential development. We anticipate firm occupier interest will follow the planning application.
"This is part of on-going enabling works for the whole T54 site to attract investment into the area. T54 has already successfully attracted new employment to Telford, including Filtermist who are now on site, development underway by Axyz Automation Ltd and expansion of Torus Measurement Systems facilities on the site."
