Innovation Park launch
The first phase of a multi-million pound business park will be ready for firms to move onto next year.
Shropshire Council says it is keen to attract development partners and potential occupiers to the Oswestry Innovation Park.
A £9.3 million government grant which will improve the road system on the Oswestry bypass has helped bring forward work on the infrastructure on the Mile End site.
Up to 57 acres of land is being developed with the first phase ready in 2019.
An investment of £13.2 million will be made in the infrastructure on the land, currently farmland, with the site expected to take up to 15 year s to be completed.
Plots will be available for local companies seeking to expand, new inward investors and developers augmenting their portfolio.
The Council is also keen to develop incubation and start-up space, and welcomes potential investors to work with them on making this happen.
Deputy leader of the council, Steve Charmley said: "Oswestry Innovation Park is one part of a major sub-regional development strategy.
The Oswestry Gateway Sustainable Urban Extension will unlock land for 900 new homes, drive long-term sustainability in Oswestry and create the conditions for employment growth – creating and securing 1,400 jobs in the area."
He said sites would 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.
A national marketing campaign explains the Innovation park is close to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, a national centre of excellence for orthopaedic and spinal surgery, life sciences, clinical research trials and support..
"Oswestry is strategically located on the A5 trunkroad, part of the Trans-European Network from Felixstowe to Holyhead which facilitates national and European freight movements from southern and eastern English seaports into Wales and Ireland," Councillor Charmley said.
"Oswestry Innovation Park is 20 miles from Shrewsbury and 15 miles from Wrexham with Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and the Birmingham motorway networks all accessible within 90 minutes.
"The site has the potential to meet the growing needs of the local regional economies of Shropshire, Cheshire and North Wales."
Highways England work to improve two roundabouts on the Oswestry bypass and create a pedestrian bridge linking the Innovation Park to the town is expected to begin this summer.
