Developers behind a major Northumberland business park with the potential to create hundreds of jobs will today unveil new masterplan for the 62-acre site.
Ashwood Business Park was acquired by Northumberland County Council in May 2018, as part of deal it the authority said demonstrated its intent to invest in key sites and bring jobs to the area.
Now, a new masterplan for the 62 acre-site will be officially unveiled at the Advanced Engineering 2019 exhibition at Birmingham NEC.
The new plan, which is being driven forward by economic regeneration company Advance Northumberland, is poised to make Ashwood Business Park a centre for advanced manufacturing, process and engineering companies, as well as a catalyst for further industrial growth in the region.
The business park – already home to AkzoNobel’s world leading paint factory – has Enterprise Zone status which means organisations locating there can benefit from 100% Enhanced Capital Allowances.
The Advanced Engineering exhibition will reveal a site plan for the plan, with plots available from 50,000 sqft to 500,000 sqft.
The vision for Ashwood Business Park is to create a centre for manufacturing excellence, an employment hub and a primed site capable of development ready for significant inward investors.
The site will also establish an amenity gateway which will include a petrol filling station and key services for the businesses and employees on the park.
As well as providing a base for AzkoNobel’s £100m-plus paint processing facility, the park is also home to the headquarters of housing provider Bernicia Homes.
The site also includes Birchwood Industrial Estate, which is owned by Advance Northumberland and comprises approximately 40,000 sqft of fully let commercial space.
Taking place today and tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday October 30 and 31, the Advanced Engineering 2019 exhibition is the UK’s largest annual exhibition and conference for advanced manufacturers and supply chain professionals with more than 500 different suppliers in attendance.
The Advance Northumberland team will be hosting the Northumberland Pavilion (Stand K100), where they will be officially launching the masterplan and discussing investment opportunities and design and build options.
Richard Wearmouth, chair of Advance Northumberland said, “We’re delighted to be launching the new masterplan for Ashwood Business Park at Advanced Engineering 2019. As an event that promotes innovation and manufacturing and engineering excellence, it was the perfect place to showcase our vision for the site.
“Ashwood Business Park offers a fantastic opportunity for businesses working across manufacturing, engineering and the process sector to take advantage of a superb location with excellent transport links.
“Organisations moving to Ashwood Business Park can grow and thrive, drawing on the talents of the highly skilled, specialist workforce on their doorstep, which is reinforced by Northumberland’s manufacturing heritage, as well as benefiting from being located within a thriving manufacturing cluster.
“We’re very proud to be able to offer regional, national and international businesses such an exciting opportunity in the heart of Northumberland.”
Jeff Hope, head of manufacturing at AkzoNobel Ashington, which is situated on Ashwood Business Park, said, “Ashwood Business Park has provided AkzoNobel with an ideal location for transport links, being located off a major trunk road and near both an international airport and port.
“Capacity to expand was designed into the site and our location allows us room to grow, with easily accessible local facilities, access to a reliable skilled workforce and a welcoming community.”
Advance Northumberland is the regeneration, physical delivery and business support vehicle delivering regeneration throughout Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council, with a portfolio of assets and land worth £250m.
