Work has started on a West Midlands business park that will give the biggest private sector employer in Stafford a new high-tech home.
Trebor Developments — recently named as West Midlands Commercial Developer of the Year — has teamed up with US-based Rockspring’s Hanover Property Unit Trust to develop the 113,500 sq ft industrial and logistics building across two plots at Redhill Business Park in Staffordshire.
When complete next summer the scheme, one-and-a-half times the size of a football pitch, will become the base for Alstom Grid, the world’s leading power transmission company. It already employs around 1,400 people in nearby Stafford, with another 300 in the company’s separate thermal power unit. Both sites will consolidate at Redhill.
“We are delighted to be able to start work on such an important project for Alstom that will ensure our long history in Stafford continues for many years to come,” commented Neil Beardmore, managing director for commercial solutions at Alstom Grid.
“We are all very much looking forward to moving into these new, state-of-the-art buildings once they’re complete and to help Alstom’s continued worldwide success with technologies designed and manufactured in Stafford.”
The former brownfield site, which offers access onto the A34 and M6 motorway from Junction 14, was brought to the market by Staffordshire County Council as part of its proactive strategy to attract business to the county.
Four of the seven plots at Redhill have now been taken, with “strong interest” in the remaining three. “The market for new quality industrial premises is very active and Redhill Business Park is ideally located to meet the needs of occupiers, given the quick deliverability and infrastructure connections,” said Trebor managing director, Bob Tattrie.
“We look forward to working with our experienced funding partners, Rockspring, and the local authority to quickly deliver this high quality development.”
Staffordshire County Council economy leader, Mark Winnington, added: “As the site’s occupation increases it ultimately means more jobs for people in Staffordshire and a thriving business park.”
