Stoford has begun the construction of a new job-creating production plant after planners approved the final phase of development at Spa Park in Leamington Spa.
The leading property developer has agreed a pre-let with plastics manufacturing company Berry Global for a single purpose-built unit of 138,675 sq ft at the multimillion pound business park off Tachbrook Road.
The development will be characterised by its strong sustainability credentials, with Stoford targeting an EPC rating of ‘A’ and a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, as well as net zero carbon in construction.
The new plant will produce plastic products from household waste recycling collections, including packaging for use in the food and cosmetic industries. When fully operational it will be capable of processing seven tonnes of material per hour and will operate a zero waste policy.
Benniman Construction has been appointed as contractor and is programmed to complete the development in July 2022.
Berry is a global leader in plastic and recycled packaging products with more than 48,000 employees worldwide. The manufacturer expects the new facility at Spa Park to generate up to 115 new jobs and plans to recruit locally for roles including mechanical and electrical engineers, technical staff and laboratory engineers.
The pre-let is part of the final phase of development at Spa Park, which has been approved by Warwick District Council. Stoford and BlackRock will speculatively develop four new units comprising a combined 151,650 sq ft of office, R&D, production and distribution accommodation.
Darryly Roadnight, Strategic Projects Director at Berry said: “We are committed to developing products that help our customers meet and exceed their sustainability goals, as outlined in our Impact 2025 sustainability strategy. This new facility is the perfect demonstration of this, both in the material that it will produce and how it has been constructed and will operate. We are delighted to be part of the innovative and forward-looking Spa Park development.”
Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford said: “We have received tremendous support from the local authority and are looking forward to progressing the final phase of development at Spa Park. Our pre-let with Berry is testament to the success of the overall scheme and we’re excited by the positive impact that this new development will have on the local economy, with new jobs and investment. We’re looking forward to welcoming new occupiers to the final phase of the park.”
The Leader of Warwick District Council, Cllr Andrew Day said: “We wholeheartedly welcome the expansion of the Spa Park and are very much behind Stoford’s plans to attract new sustainable businesses such as Berry, who will bring with them the opportunity to create new highly skilled jobs in our district and at the same time will make a valuable contribution to reducing our carbon footprint.”
Phase one of Spa Park comprises four units and is located close to the A46 and junctions 14 and 15 of the M40. Unit 4 is currently available and offers 30,715 sq ft of space, including ancillary offices. The four units being speculatively developed on the final phase will be ready for occupation in Q4 2022.
