Demand for additional commercial buildings at one of our popular business parks is being satisfied by new buildings being constructed to help expanding city firms grow and to attract new investment into Plymouth.
Plymouth City Council has started the third and final phase of its highly successful development at Hearder Court on the Langage Business Park. Work got underway in May, with the ground work, piling foundations and drainage for the scheme all being completed now.
Soon the first of the steel girders will go in which will frame the building and give a sense of the scale of the 2,355 square metres of commercial space that’s to come.
The three units of the £2 million development are designed to be flexible with internal party walls that can be removed to allow units to be combined. Additional space can be created at first floor level by expanding the offices or installing mezzanine floors.
The workspace will have solar voltaic panels, high levels of insulation and lift access to units with first floor office accommodation. Offices will be heated, lit (LED lighting) and carpeted, with natural ventilation, extensive glazing to office areas and roof lights within the production space to maximise natural lighting.
The scheme has been designed to be highly efficient and will assist in reducing running costs to occupying businesses. The scheme itself is targeting the highest Energy Performance Certificate rating for commercial buildings of ‘A’.
Facilities include toilet and shower facilities, kitchens, dedicated car parking and large service yards. There will be EV charging pods for vehicles, cycle shelters as well as recycling zones.
Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “We are conscious there is a shortage of high quality space for businesses locally, so we are investing and delivering the premises required to encourage expanding firms to flourish or new firms to operate in our city. Not only are we helping to meet the demand for employment space for around 70 people, we are helping secure local construction and supply chain jobs.
"Hearder Court Phase 3 is tangible proof that Plymouth has a vibrant and expanding commercial sector that bodes well for the city with the creation of local jobs and that our city is able to meet the needs of the business community."
When complete, the premises will become part of the Council’s growing property portfolio, helping to bring in rental income into the city’s services.
The build is being carried out by Devon Contractors who were awarded the contract following a tendering exercise by the Council last year. Contracts manager Stuart O'Higgins for the company said: "We are delighted to begin work on this exciting project, which will provide top-quality working space for innovative Plymouth businesses and contribute to the wider economic success of the local area.
"Devon Contractors will be working hard to ensure the project is finished to the highest standard and ensure positive progress for this important scheme bringing investment and employment opportunities to Plymouth."
Detailed planning was secured in May last year and if all goes according to plan, the units should be ready for businesses to move into early next year.
It is anticipated that these high quality units will be in demand and are available to lease now (by way of pre let) Interested parties are encouraged to make contact to discuss their requirements. For more information contact Tom Palmer of Commercial Property Team on 01752 304202 or email tom.palmer@plymouth.gov.uk