An ambitious scheme to create 600 jobs at Coventry Airport has moved a step closer.
The property investment division of the Rigby Group, Ostrava Properties, has secured outline planning consent from Warwick District Council to transform former passenger facilities into a new manufacturing and distribution hub on 30 acres of land on the south side of the airport.
The company has been granted outline planning consent to build up to 650,000 sqft of storage, distribution and general industrial space. The scheme will provide three quality units – a 75,000 sq ft building, another extending to 175,000 sq ft and a third providing 325,000 sq ft of space.
Andrew Cox, of Ostrava Properties, said a detailed application would follow in a month’s time and work could begin on site as early as spring next year and it is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete.
“This is the first step towards creating a modern manufacturing and distribution hub on this ideal location in Coventry,” he said.
“The site’s close proximity to the UK’s major motorways is particularly important for the manufacturing and distribution companies who will be attracted to this hub.
“We are very pleased Warwick District Council has given our application outline planning consent and we will now start the next stage of the approval process.
“We are considering building all three units at the same time because initial interest from UK-wide companies has been strong.
“Importantly, we are on track with this scheme and providing all the planning and legal matters continue to proceed smoothly, our plan is to start construction in spring 2016.
“All this is tremendous news since the scheme could create up to 600 jobs which will be a massive boost to the area’s economy and help satisfy demand for this kind of development opportunity in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“This region already has a high-standing in the UK in the manufacturing and distribution sector and these plans will enhance it further.”
Colliers International, D&P Holt with Cushman and Wakefield have been appointed to market the site.