Work to separate the former Imperial Tobacco factory in Nottingham and its distribution centre has been completed, with services installed ready for a new development.
The old Horizon Factory in Thane Road closed in May 2016 when production moved overseas. It is now in the process of being demolished to make way for industrial units and a car showroom.
The factory had been linked by a bridge to a regional distribution centre, which has been retained by Imperial Tobacco. This connecting bridge has now been removed and independent electrical and mechanical services for the new buildings created.
According to plans set out by developer Henry Boot Developments (HBD), the "New Horizon" centre will stretch over the southern half of the site, covering 28 acres and providing up to 500,000 sq ft of new industrial buildings. It will create more than 500 jobs.
Justin Sheldon, regional manager at HBD, said: “New Horizon is one of Nottingham’s most important regeneration projects, creating hundreds of new jobs and bringing an iconic location back into use. With works now complete and demolition progressing quickly, we look forward to getting started on site.”
The separation work - phase one of the project - has been completed by construction firm Robertson, which has received a silver award at the National Sites Awards for its work on the site.
Paul Turner, managing director of Robertson Yorkshire and East Midlands, said: “This major project will contribute positively to Nottingham’s local economy and have a great impact on the local community.
“The finished building work has been completed to the highest standards and showcases some of the innovative building techniques that Robertson is capable of.”
Investment in the site is expected to exceed £60 million.
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