The first phase of a £10 million investment programme for 2021 is underway at Peninsula 23 in Bridgwater.
Developers Roselea Properties Ltd are investing £1 million in new infrastructure works at its mixed use business scheme, starting with the access road. They have already completed a new and wider section of footpath and cycleway on the A38.
The entrance road is scheduled for completion in early 2021 and will be followed by construction work on two new production facilities for Bridgwater-based companies Monmouth Scientific and Somerset Willow.
Both companies are awaiting the outcome of a planning application to Sedgemoor District Council for new headquarter/manufacturing facilities. If approved, both are keen to be in occupation of their new facilities in 2021. Contractors KMW Building Ltd are scheduled to start piling works during March to meet the target dates.
Monmouth Scientific, which specialises in creating clean rooms and laboratory equipment for use in medical, food and research environments, is planning two buildings totalling 50,000 sq ft. The new facility will provide the 65-strong company with a combination of office, warehouse, manufacturing and assembly space as well as a dedicated product demonstration laboratory. The company has recently been acquired by AIM Listed SDI Group.
Somerset Willow, a fourth generation family firm renowned for its handcrafted picnic hampers, willow baskets and furniture, has agreed terms for a freehold design and build scheme for a new 27,000 sq ft headquarters and manufacturing base which would give the business a larger, modern facility with room to grow and easier access to the motorway.
Andrew Maynard, partner at Alder King who is representing Roselea Properties, says the investment is a reassuring sign of business confidence.
“Given the challenging circumstances of the last year, the commitment by all parties to develop new headquarter/manufacturing facilities is an important vote of confidence both in the local economy and in Peninsula 23 and Bridgwater as a business location.
“We look forward to receiving a positive outcome to the planning applications and seeing further work progressing on site over the course of this year to allow Monmouth Scientific and Somerset Willow to take occupation before the end of the year.”
Sedgemoor District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Inward Investment and Growth, Cllr Gill Slocombe, said: “Our Economic Development Team has written in support of this scheme on land that is earmarked for development in our Local Plan. We are always delighted when we see well-known, local businesses such as these two in a position to take advantage of such opportunities to expand while remaining in the District so we wish them and the developers well with their proposals.”
