1,500 Oswestry jobs scheme ‘to start in three years’

It was hoped that spades would already be in the ground to construct the innovation park on 57 acres of land off Mile End Roundabout.

Last year politicians said the first phase of the work would begin in 2019, however that target date has now been shelved.

Other issues have got in the way of start date, however Shropshire county deputy leader Steve Charmley said that within two or three years, construction work will begin.

"Work has had to take place to unlock all the correct funding, and that has now been secured," he said.

"There has also been other issues because a number of different projects are all interlinked, it is like a jigsaw.

"The work to prepare for the 600 homes on land nearby had to be sorted, then there needs to be the changes to the Mile End roundabout to unlock the entrance to the innovation park.

"That is going to be done now and the plans will come out very soon, and then that will allow the innovation park to begin.

Jigsaw

"It is a very long process with a lot of problems getting in the way of things.

"But now all the pieces of the jigsaw are together we can expect work to begin within the next two to three years.

Earlier this year when it was officially launched it was claimed the first phase of the project would be ready for 2019, however that won't be happening.

Plots will be available for local companies seeking to expand, new inward investors and developers augmenting their portfolio.

The local authority is also keen to develop incubation and start-up space, and wanted to welcome potential investors to work with them on making this happen.

Sites will be available from 0.6 acres to nine acres, capable of accommodating a range of properties from 20,000 square foot to 150,000 square foot.