A planning application for the next phase of development at St. Modwen’s Quedgeley West Business Park development in Gloucestershire has been approved by Stroud District Council leading to Lister Petter, a major employer, remaining in the district and securing 200 key jobs locally through the move.
The planning application, which covers part of the final phase of the £42 million business park, will see global manufacturer, Lister Petter locate to a brand new purpose-built production warehouse facility at the development from spring 2014. St. Modwen hopes to start work on site during the early part of this summer.
Following 140 years of operations in Dursley, Lister Petter which is a major international provider of gas and diesel engines, is relocating from its current Littlecombe base in Dursley in order to help strengthen its position in the global market. Additionally, the move from the current premises will complete the freeing up of space at the Littlecombe site, which is also being delivered by St. Modwen in partnership with landowner Stroud District Council to build a community of new homes with a range of community facilities and business space.
The green light also provides for an additional 32,000 sq ft building to be delivered at Quedgeley West Business Park, which provides immediate opportunities for local businesses seeking high quality distribution and industrial space to occupy in 2014.
Pete Davies, Development Manager for St. Modwen in the South West, says, “Securing the relocation of Lister Petter, a major international business with global operations, is fantastic news for the area and the final phase of development at Quedgeley West.
“With the 32,000 sq ft building consented and with the additional land ready to be developed, we are now actively marketing the scheme to other commercial occupiers that are seeking quality new warehouse and production space on this established Business Park, close to Junction 12 of the M5.”
Councillor Geoff Wheeler, leader of Stroud District Council, says, “Whilst moving from Littlecombe to Hardwicke will mean upheaval, the approval of this application is a big step forward which will allow us to keep Lister Petter in the district, retaining 200 skilled jobs. Over the next two years, as part of our support for the local economy, we have put aside £1.25million to support businesses, create jobs and promote growth and it is great to see this investment working.”
To date, over 320,000 sq ft of industrial space has been leased or sold at the Quedgeley West Business Park to occupiers including Schlumberger, CM Downton and City Link. The final phase at Quedgeley West comprises eight acres of land, which will provide accommodation for design and build units ranging between 10,000 and 45,000 sq ft on a rent or purchase basis.
Quedgeley West Business Park is one of four sites being developed by St. Modwen in Gloucestershire. The company is also developing Gateway 12 at Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley East Business Park, adjacent to Junction 12 and Littlecombe in Dursley.
