The final phase of Airfield Business Park is underway after a groundbreaking ceremony in Market Harborough.
With businesses first moving in in 2019, Leicestershire County Council’s development has been fully let at every stage and has proved to be a popular location for businesses – boosting local jobs and the local economy.
A special event was held to mark the start of construction, featuring councillors, Leicestershire-based architects IMA Architects, building contractors Britcon and project managers Pulse Consult.
A local company expanding their business into a new unit when work has finished were also in attendance.
Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “It is fantastic for work to begin on the final phase of this successful business park.
“Airfield is popular with businesses and it’s brilliant that we’re able to help thriving businesses expand. We’ve been able to keep our local businesses local, boosting both employment and the Leicestershire economy.”
Many of the commercial units have already been let. Tenants include fine foods manufacturer and distributor Bramble Foods, who already employ more than 150 people in Market Harborough. They will occupy a 67,000 sq ft unit to expand their growing business when work is completed.
Tony Foster, Managing Director of Bramble Foods, said: “We are very pleased that work has begun on our new distribution unit, it secures the future of Bramble Foods Group in Market Harborough and will be an important part of our continued growth.
“We launched Bramble Foods in 2008 in the town with a team of 6 people we now employ over 140 from the local area so it was very important to us that we kept the local tie.
“With the town growing so quickly it is essential that projects like this continue to help create local jobs and bolster the local economy.
“Bramble will continue to operate from two other sites in town, the preserve manufacturing site on the Riverside Industrial estate and the Bakery and packing facility on Crosby road.”
As with the first phase of Airfield Business Park, commercial units range in size to cater for a variety of businesses’ needs.
Sustainability will also be at the forefront of the county council-led development, featuring sustainable construction methods including the use of solar panels, electric car charging points, insulation and the use of best practice construction methods.
Located next to the roundabout on the B6047 Harborough Road, the development will also include a Costa Coffee and will be capable of hosting a second drive-thru unit.
