Work is progressing quickly at Southend-on-Sea’s new Airport Business Park, with Readie Construction now breaking ground for Phase 2 infrastructure and enabling works.
The 21-ha multi-use business park is being delivered in a joint venture partnership between Henry Boot Developments (HBD) and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.
Construction is well underway on a 124,000 sq ft unit for first occupier, IPECO Holdings, which will move into its new home early next year.
Airport Business Park Southend forms a central part of an ambitious new vision for Southend-on-Sea, and will include flexible business space, HQ-style office buildings, large-scale industrial and warehousing space, hotel facilities and appropriate A3 occupiers.
The scheme also boasts superfast network speeds, in line with the Council’s “Gigabit City” initiative.
Directly adjacent to London Southend Airport and close to major road and rail connections, its connectivity is proving a draw for potential occupiers.
Planning has also been submitted to Rochford District Council for the Launchpad, the first dedicated facility to champion real innovation in the area for start-ups and SMEs. The Launchpad is proposed to be three storeys in height, with a mix of offices, workshops, research facilities and break out spaces, along with a café and seminar space, and is being funded by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) Local Growth Fund. Members of the public will be able to view proposed plans at The Forum and Rochford District Council offices from Monday 8th July.
Harry Bunbury, Senior Development Surveyor at HBD London, said: “Airport Business Park is an important scheme for Southend, with £150million being invested in delivering high-quality space and infrastructure and building a collaborative ecosystem that acts as a catalyst for growth.
“As neighbour to the fastest growing airport in Europe, and with links to national road and rail networks, it has seen strong interest from potential occupiers. The scheme continues to progress quickly, and we look forward to announcing new occupiers in the coming months.”
Cllr Kevin Robinson, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Tourism, said: “Airport Business Park Southend is vital to driving opportunity, prosperity and economic growth of both Southend-on-Sea and the wider region. It will create more local employment, and provide opportunities for local businesses to expand and new ones to invest.
“I am delighted to see Phase 2 works starting and the planning application submitted for The Launchpad – a building that will champion innovation and be a hub of activity at this exciting new development.”
