New business park that is set to create more than 200 jobs has opened in Harborough

Airfield Business Park ribbin cutting...front, second from left, Andrea Hopkins Leicestershire County Council principal valuer, Byron Rhodes Deputy Leader of Leicestershire County Council and Jim Hardie of J Tomlinson integrated building solutions.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Airfield Business Park ribbin cutting...front, second from left, Andrea Hopkins Leicestershire County Council principal valuer, Byron Rhodes Deputy Leader of Leicestershire County Council and Jim Hardie of J Tomlinson integrated building solutions. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

Airfield Business Park has been developed by Leicestershire County Council.

It will spark business and employment opportunities and boost the local economy.

A range of high-spec industrial units ranging from 1,570 to 33,360sq ft has been built by construction company J Tomlinson.

Airfield Business Park open for business.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Airfield Business Park open for business. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

Deputy county council leader Byron Rhodes said: “It is great to see this venture complete and ready for new and existing businesses.

“Supporting businesses is important - it helps boost our local economy and creates jobs.”

He added: “Investing in property also enables us to generate extra income which we can then plough back into frontline services.”

The site also features 692 solar panels.

They form part of the authority’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.

“We are striving to be a green council and tackling climate change is one of our top priorities,” said Cllr Rhodes.

“We take our commitments to reduce carbon very seriously and this development is just one of the initiatives we’re exploring.”

Darroch Baker, construction managing director at J Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the creation of this exciting new business park in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.

“It is great to see the high level of interest in these high-spec, energy efficient units.

“We hope this becomes a thriving business hub in which the tenants enjoy their new premises.”

The first business has already signed up and moved into one of the units.

Fasten-It Ltd supplies products for the UPVC roofline, door and window fitting industry.

Philip Hill, managing director of Fasten-It Ltd, said: “Fasten-It was in need of premises convenient for the road network, close to amenities and a good and pleasant working environment for our staff and visitors.

“Airfield Business Park delivered on all fronts, with the added benefit of contributing to our social responsibilities with its solar power generation.”

He added: “The units are light, airy, very well built and access has been well thought out.

“I congratulate all involved and look forward to being part of the project over the coming months."

Several other companies have already shown an interest in renting the units, with six of the 12 units reserved by prospective tenants.