More jobs on cards as Langage expands

Up to 100 jobs could be created in Plymouth thanks to a proposed expansion of the Council-owned Langage Business Park.

The Council is taking a pro-active approach and is to invest £3.2 million in the second phase of the park, creating commercial space ready for businesses to move into.

Phase 1 was completed earlier this year and the 30,000sqft  high quality scheme was snapped up in its entirety by local and expanding up-market food producer Dartmouth Foods Ltd.

Now the Council has appointed AECOM to start the pre-development work including designing the 30,000sqft phase 2 scheme – ahead of a planning application being submitted in the Autumn.

Leader of Plymouth City Council Ian Bowyer said: “We’re delighted that the first phase was snapped up so quickly. We believe there is a real appetite from businesses to come here or expand, but they lack the right premises.

“Quite simply, if we build them, they will come. This approach is working and it means that families in and around Plymouth benefit from better job prospects. More work means people have more money spend, which is good for other city businesses.

“It also means that in the long run, the potential income from rent and rates the council will receive will help contribute to towards providing vital services for Plymouth.”

He added: “Even though there is doubt and uncertainty after the referendum, the Council is determined to press ahead and deliver for Plymouth. By taking long term decisions now we are saying ‘Plymouth is open for business’.

Plymouth has the highest concentration of manufacturing employment of any city south of the Midlands, but there is a shortage of industrial and commercial space to suit the needs.

It is anticipated that the new phase will include a diverse range of unit sizes, all created to a high quality and will be available to a wide range of businesses from start-ups to expanding local business and national businesses.

Between 75 and 100 jobs could be created on site once the project is complete – but the scheme also spells good news for the construction industry and its supply chain during the construction phase.

Subject to planning permission being granted, work could start on site early next year with completion in earmarked for the following year.