New visual showcase highlights business park’s strengths to investors
The development potential at one of the North East’s key investment sites has been brought to life, thanks to new film footage and imagery.
AMF member, Advance Northumberland has released new animations, CGIs and drone footage of Ashwood Business Park, a 62-acre site in Ashington, South East Northumberland, which is set to be become a major centre for advanced manufacturing, the process industry and the engineering sector in the region.
The new footage and CGI assets illustrate the size and scale of the site, its connections to major transport links, and the growth opportunities Ashwood Business Park can offer manufacturing and engineering companies.
Ashwood Business Park is a North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) Enterprise Zone – meaning that organisations locating there can benefit from 100 per cent Enhanced Capital Allowances – and the site is at the heart of one of North East England’s strongest manufacturing clusters.
The business park is currently home to a major AkzoNobel paint processing facility and 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 sq ft of fully let commercial space.
Earlier this year, Advance Northumberland, Northumberland County Council and the North East LEP agreed to support investment of £2.7 million into Ashwood Business Park. The funding is being used by Advance Northumberland to undertake infrastructure improvements to encourage further inward investment and growth projects at Ashwood Business Park.
The infrastructure work will ensure that the site is prepared for use by advanced manufacturing, process and engineering companies who wish to locate to Ashwood Business Park.
Last month, international forecourt operator Euro Garages announced plans to build a circa 8,000 sq ft development on the site, which will include a petrol filling station, convenience store, and drive-through Starbucks outlet.
The scheme, which marks a £4 million investment from Euro Garages, will provide important amenities and services for existing users on the site as well as local residents and passing trade upon the busy A189. It represents a new gateway offer that will illuminate and animate the entrance of Ashwood Business Park.
Richard Wearmouth, Chair of Advance Northumberland said, “Through this new visual showcase, we’re delighted to be able to provide potential investors with an enhanced vision of Ashwood Business Park.
“The footage clearly shows that the site is a place where manufacturing and engineering companies can thrive and expand, while benefiting from excellent national and international connectivity.
“The planned investment from Euro Garages and the £2.7 million committed to infrastructure works show that Ashwood Business Park is building on its offering to investors and companies who wish to relocate to a prime site in the heart of Northumberland.”
Andrew Moffat CBE, Chair of the Investment Board at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said, “The film footage and imagery are great tools to have to showcase the size and scope of this Enterprise Zone to potential investors. This is a prime development site which has the potential to become an important asset for the region.”
Plots available at Ashwood Business Park, which is one of the largest development sites in Northumberland, are from 50,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft. A variety of industrial units can be developed, with tenure options ranging from a freehold sale to a bespoke, turnkey solution on a short-term lease.
The site is close to the A1 and A19 road links with easy access to the Port of Blyth and Newcastle International Airport.
Advance Northumberland is the regeneration, physical delivery and business support vehicle delivering regeneration throughout Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council. It has a portfolio of assets and land worth £250 million and can support businesses with access to finance, training and recruitment advice, supply chain connections and introductions to external support programme and business networks.
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