An empty patch of land could become home for new and expanding businesses looking to be part of a highly-successful international business park.
Plymouth City Council is to develop an acre plot at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford so that it can house more small or medium-sized businesses in ready to work space.
A decision is being signed this week that will give the green light to a ‘direct development’ scheme designed to create or support around 56 full time jobs.
Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We have been incredibly successful with our direct development schemes. We know there is a shortage of good modern offices and industrial units, so we are building them ourselves and businesses are flocking to them.”
Under the proposal, the council would build around 1,799 square metres of high quality commercial workspace using sustainable technology to minimise carbon emissions and running costs. This could including solar photovoltaic panels, better insulation, lighting and highly efficient heating systems.
When complete, the premises will form part of the council’s property portfolio, helping to bring in rental income into the city’s services. As it falls within the city boundaries, the businesses would also contribute business rates to Plymouth.
The city has a number of ‘direct development’ schemes including Oceansgate at Devonport which specialises in marine technology companies and Hearder Court at Langage Business Park which has recently been completed and has six units available to let ranging in size from 193 to 1,015 square metres.
Council Evans, said: “We are being proactive – stepping in and making things happen. One of our pledges is to build more factories and work space and why? because it means securing jobs, encouraging businesses to invest and stay here – as well as earn a long term steady income for the Council.”
The decision seeks approval authorise expenditure and progress the procurement process. The Council will oversee the project with a a full professional team appointed to develop the scheme to detailed planning stage
The scheme will then be tendered on a traditional design and build basis.
Plymouth International Business Park is a well-established and popular location for employment space and good modern premises are in short supply.
Organisations already based there include The Peninsula Radiology Academy, Biovault Technical, the UK’s leading and largest private tissue bank and K2 Medical Systems.
It is in the north of Plymouth which is set to grow significantly over the next 15 years. Nearby the new Range Headquarters office and training facility and new store is currently being built.