Work starts on wolseley business park

Work has started on the first unit at Lowestoft’s newest business park – Wolseley Park, part of the New Anglia Enterprise Zone – with the news that the first unit has been sold even before the ground was broken.

Waveney MP Peter Aldous symbolically cut the first sod at the site, on Mobbs Way, which will eventually see up to 32 light industrial units built, potentially creating hundreds of jobs for the town.

The park is being developed by Oldman Properties and built by Wellington, both companies based in Lowestoft.  The sod-cutting ceremony marked the start of work on the first three units, which will be ready for occupation in the spring.

Also present at the ceremony was Paul Bedford of Life Cycles, the Lowestoft bicycle business, which will be the first occupier of Wolseley Park.  The firm is purchasing a 3,200 sq ft unit, which will allow it to expand its operations and employ more people.  The business is currently based at Ness Point Business Park.

“I’m delighted to be here cutting the first sod on Wolseley Business Park,” said Mr Aldous.  “This is another of the Enterprise Zone sites which is getting underway, and is indicative of the fact that the New Anglia Enterprise Zone is the most successful in the UK.

“It is the only Enterprise Zone that will meet its original target of creating 1,500 new jobs by March 2015, and this marks the start of the next phase in achieving that target.  It is addressing the need for good quality, modern new business units in  this area.  I am very grateful to Oldman Properties and Wellington for showing faith in the park and getting on with it.”

Assisting Mr Aldous with the sod-cutting ceremony was Stephen Ardley, deputy leader of Waveney District Council, who added, “It is brilliant to see two Lowestoft businesses which are investing in the town, especially as that investment will lead to more jobs, and increased prosperity.  This is one of many good things that are currently happening in Lowestoft.”

The 6½ acre Wolseley Park will eventually consist of up to 32 units (although individual units can be combined to form bigger units if required).  In all, more than 100,000 sq ft of industrial space will be created.

It is being developed by Oldman Properties, whose managing director Philip Oldman commented, “We are really excited to be starting work on the park, which will offer modern accommodation for businesses, with all the advantages of being in the Enterprise Zone, including a five year business rates holiday.

“We have deliberately taken a very flexible stance, so we are offering buildings either for purchase or lease, and at a whole range of sizes from 3,200 sq ft upwards.  We hope this will attract a wide range of businesses, which will come here and create jobs.”

The first unit has been purchased by Life Cycles, whose managing director Paul Bedford said, “After nine years, we have outgrown our current premises, and with our lease coming to an end, we have decided to invest in the future and buy our own building, giving us much more space to expand.

“The benefits of being in the Enterprise Zone have made the move much easier, and we envisage our staff of seven growing by at least another three as we expand into the new space.

“The location is brilliant for us as well, as it is on a cycle route – so customers can visit us without needing to get in their car and clog up the roads.”