Airport business park gearing up for take off

June 5, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

Airport business park gearing up for take off

Monday 6th June 2016

Plans to create thousands of new jobs close to London Southend Airport have taken another step forward after it was announced local property agents have been appointed to market the project and take enquiries from potential tenants.

Kemsley LLP have been appointed by Henry Boot Developments Limited to market the £150m ‘Airport Business Park Southend’, a joint venture between them and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Proposed plans for the 1 million square foot development include space for advanced technology businesses, hi-specification office space, a new Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Medical Technology (Med Tech) campus, an innovation centre and a hotel. The development is expected to attract occupiers from the medical, aviation, advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Cllr John Lamb, Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, says: “I am very pleased that this project continues to move forwards. Infrastructure works are due to commence in the Autumn and the pace is really starting to pick up with this appointment.

“This project offers a once in a generation opportunity to bring in significant private sector investment and generate thousands of new jobs in attractive, modern business premises in the area around London Southend Airport. We are delighted that we have also been successful in levering £3.2m of Local Growth Fund funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership to help kick start the project.”

Background:

The site is located to the north-west corner of the airport and comprises circa 52 acres of developable land. Outline planning consent has already been achieved for 1 Million sq. ft. of commercial floor space, made up of 55% B1 offices, 35% B2 manufacturing use and a further 5% ancillary uses including retail and a hotel. Infrastructure works are due to commence in the Autumn following successful resolution of final planning conditions.

Given Southend-on-Sea’s extensive skill base, it is envisaged that ABP Southend will attract Med-Tech and advanced technology occupiers. Kemsley LLP, together with local agents Dedman Gray, will be working closely with Henry Boot Developments, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and the Essex Investment Office to promote this important business park to local, national and international businesses.