Plans to transform major farm estate
A farm estate in Shropshire is being transformed into a business centre under plans by one of Shropshire's biggest landowners.
Bradford Rural Estates, which is based at Weston-under-Lizard near Newport, is renovating several dilapidated farm buildings for use as commercial properties.
It is part of a rolling programme which is expected to last for several years, and which covers various sites on the huge estate between Shifnal and Newport.
The estates cover 12,000 acres in Shropshire and Staffordshire, and contain 160 homes and several farms.
Four sites are undergoing development as part of the plan, with more potentially to be added later.
They include Lizard Farm near Shifnal, where there will eventually be 11 units; Vauxhall, also near Shifnal, with five units; Tong Havannah, just off the A41 near Tong with three units; and The Paddocks, just outside Weston-under-Lizard, which has the potential for five new premises.
Steve Milner, who oversees the commercial lettings for Bradford Rural Estates, said that some units have been completed but several more are nearing completion.
"What we are offering are, in effect, bespoke commercial developments," he said.
"A client comes to us, has a look at the properties, tells us what's needed and then we renovate and refurbish the units accordingly.
"The majority of the buildings which we have developed so far are single-storey properties and are ideal for various SMEs and one-man operations.
"I think people are drawn by their location, the fact that there is always a lot of room to park and, of course, they are extremely quiet, tranquil locations in a lovely part of Shropshire."
Viscount Newport, managing director of Bradford Rural Estates, said: "We are delighted that these wonderful buildings will be in use for people's benefit rather than remaining empty and falling into further disrepair.
"There is a significant investment involved from us but it is worth it."
Existing businesses on the estate include a country clothing specialist, an irrigation firm, a metal gate manufacturer and a wood chipper machine maintenance firm. Warped Paint, the paintballing outfit just off the M54 near Cosford, is also among its tenants.
