Market Drayton business park work could create 600 jobs

Shrewsbury-based developer Redstart Construction Limited has been developing land at the Tern Valley Business Park in Market Drayton.

Shropshire Council says the construction of 41 small office/workshop units to the rear of the site is complete, as is the new factory unit for local company Cranage, which tests electrical products.

Meanwhile, planning permission has also been granted for a small office scheme.

Previously 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.

Chris Hill, from Shropshire Council's business and enterprise team, said: "The construction of 41 small office/workshop units to the rear of the site is complete, as is the new factory unit for local company Cranage which tests electrical products.

"Planning permission has also been granted for a small office scheme. There has also been interest for other uses, and the agents are in discussion with Shropshire Council."

Councillors in Market Drayton have said they are delighted to see the area being 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. It is not yet known exactly when the latest work on the business park will be completed.

The site is being jointly marketed by Halls and Shropshire Council's estates team.