LEADING REGENERATION SPECIALIST PLACES PRIORITY ON HIGH QUALITY BUSINESS PREMISES FOR CUMBRIA

• Development starts on 50,000 sq ft of commercial accommodation

Leading regeneration specialist, Priority Sites, has commenced development of 50,000 sq ft of high quality commercial accommodation at Derwent Mills near Cockermouth. It is anticipated that the scheme will create and retain up to 100 jobs for the local area when fully occupied.

Representatives from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) joined the Priority Sites team at a ceremony to mark the first sod cutting on the site. The NWDA sold 3.4 acres of land at Derwent Mills Commercial Park to Priority Sites which when finished will comprise 12 individual factory units ranging in size from 2,900 sq. ft to 5,200 sq. ft, suitable for a range of light manufacturing and assembly purposes.

Priority Sites is developing the new accommodation to provide local companies who want to relocate their operations with high quality, well-designed premises that will allow their businesses to expand.

The £3.5 million scheme will also help environmentally conscious companies who are keen to be green, by incorporating a number of energy efficient features into the design and build. The units are available for sale or to let and interested parties should contact Paul Robinson at the local retained agents for the scheme, Smeatons, on 01900 825846.

Murray Carr, regional manager of Priority Sites’ North West office, commented: “There is a real demand in Cockermouth for high grade industrial accommodation. Local companies need modern, flexible premises to help their businesses grow and until now, that has not been available in this part of the county.

“If we can provide local companies, who employ local people, with the right kind of accommodation to support expansion, we can ensure that they remain in the area and support the local economy.”

Martin Lloyd, Head of Property at the NWDA, said: “This will be a significant development which will allow businesses and individuals to start or expand their operations in Cockermouth and provide a considerable number of local jobs in the process.

“I am delighted we have been able to help bring forward this project which will encourage investment and a stronger, more diverse economy in Cockermouth.”

Priority Sites is a joint venture commercial development company owned by The Royal Bank of Scotland and English Partnerships. It develops industrial, hybrid and office premises across England in areas requiring regeneration, primarily in former coalfield areas. Last year, the developer reached its three millionth square foot of commercial development, having so far invested £30 million into the North West region.

Previous schemes completed in the region include Andrew’s Court scheme at Furness Business Park, Barrow, developed four years ago and comprising 18,500 sq. ft of industrial accommodation, which is now all fully sold. 

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