Ground broken on multi-million pound development in the Black Country
A ground-breaking ceremony has marked the start of work on a multi-million pound scheme to build new industrial units in Tipton.
Halesowen-based A&H Construction has been appointed by developers CEG to deliver the revamp of Vaughan Park, a £32 million scheme it is hoped will create up to 1,000 jobs.
CEG has secured planning permission from Sandwell Council to build five industrial units totalling 80,000 sq ft.
The scheme involves flattening most of the existing buildings on land neighbouring the Thomas Dudley foundry and CAB Autos factory.
Further work on the historic 28-acre site could see the business park expanded to 500,000 sq ft of high quality industrial and warehouse space.
At a ceremony to break ground and mark the start of construction work, Sandwell's regeneration cabinet member, Councillor Paul Moore, said it was encouraging to ee another speculative commercial development taking place in the borough.
He said: "There is no doubt that Sandwell offers businesses wishing to expand and grow a chance to move to an area at the forefront of industry, with established supply chains, great access to the motorway network as well as a highly skilled workforce.
“The investment and jobs to be created by the Vaughan Park development are very welcome and is further demonstration of Sandwell being a great place to invest.”
A&H Construction started work on the 28 acre site last week and the units will be ready for occupation later this year.
John Maley, from A&H Construction, said: “As a local business we are proud to be involved with this formidable project, our aim is to build on the relationships we have with the local supply chain to ensure this project is delivered as planned and exceeds expectations.”
This first phase of units will be eight metres high with separate yard and parking in a landscaped environment with 24 hour security, CCTV and gatehouse entry.
Lawrence Escott, investment manager at CEG, said: “We have appointed a West Midlands construction company as we are keen to see local job and training opportunities created in the area, helping to boost the local economy. The development will deliver high quality industrial and warehouse space set in a secure and very well-located environment. It will help to meet the strong market demand, which has been constrained in recent years through a significant lack of supply.”
Property agents CBRE and Bulleys have been appointed to market the site.
Steve Perriton, partner at Bulleys, said: “We are delighted to see this speculative new phase of development taking place on this secure industrial park. This will see not only new development which is very welcome in the Black Country but a quality scheme with good roadside views from the main A457 Tipton Road which we believe will see good interest from occupiers”
