Construction of a new industrial scheme in Leicester has reached a major milestone with groundwork complete and steel frames erected.
Commercial property developer, Brackley Property Developments (BPD), is redeveloping a brownfield site off Blackbird Road near Leicester city centre, on behalf of Leicester City Council.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD was joined on site by Leicester city mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby and main contractor, Wilten Construction Limited, to mark the progression of the new £6.25 million project.
It will create more than 30,000 sq ft of light industrial accommodation, with four new buildings housing 21 small units for start-ups and growing businesses. Units will include roof-mounted solar panels, super insulation and low-energy smart lighting, while tenants will also have access to EV charging and bicycle storage.
The land was previously home to the Ian Marlow Centre, a former housing depot used by Leicester City Council, which contained vacant office, workshop and storage buildings.
BPD won the remit from Leicester City Council to deliver the project following a competitive tendering process. The scheme is being financed by the government’s Levelling Up Fund and is programmed for completion in October 2024.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD, said: “It is pleasing to see the ongoing transformation of the site and the completion of the development’s steel frame. These new units will deliver environmentally sustainable accommodation within Leicester City and go some way to meeting the significant local demand for commercial employment workspace.”
City mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby said: “These much-needed industrial units will breathe new life into a vacant council site and help meet the urgent demand for commercial and industrial workspaces for start-up and growing businesses within Leicester City.
“Along with supporting local employers and the creation of new jobs, these new buildings and workspaces also demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting the local economy through investment in cleaner, greener low carbon developments.”