Wilton Developments announced today that Yorkshire contracting firm Stainforth Construction has been appointed to deliver the £5million Connex 45 development at Thornes Farm in the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone.
Situated on a four acre site close to the East Leeds Link Road, Connex 45 includes a 50,000 sq ft and 30,000 sq ft manufacturing and logistics buildings in the Leeds Aire Valley. A £670,000 grant was awarded to Wilton to contribute towards their delivery, secured by Leeds City Council from the Government’s ‘Building Foundations for Growth’ fund.
Jason Stowe from Wilton Developments said: “This is a Yorkshire success story as the grant funds are not only kick-starting the first speculative built industrial scheme of this scale in many years, but are enabling a Yorkshire developer, Yorkshire design team and a Yorkshire contractor to deliver this important project for the Leeds City Region.”
Stainforth Construction will start on site on 20th October and are expected to complete the project by July 2015.
Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and the economy said: “The Council has worked proactively with developers to get development moving in the enterprise zone. Today’s news is a significant step forward in realising the potential of the enterprise zone to create jobs and become a major driver of growth for the economy of Leeds and the city region.
“It’s good news too that a Yorkshire contractor has been selected to build the two units at Connex 45. It means the full benefit of the grant funding will be felt within the local economy, with a Yorkshire-based team of developer, building contractor and consultants delivering first class business premises in what is set to become the region’s premier business location.”
The two high-quality units will be available for B1, B2 and B8 users less than a mile from Junction 45 of the M1 and Leeds City Centre. Marketed by the Leeds offices of CBRE and Lambert Smith Hampton, the units will be available on a leasehold basis, the developer may also consider a Sale.
Jason continues: “From experience with our other successful EZ developments we understand the importance of new buildings providing a catalyst for other occupier activity in the Zone. This is a fantastic location and, with the city’s shortage of good quality industrial space, I am confident that we will receive a lot of interest in these quality units, driving economic growth and fostering in the region of 200 jobs.”
The Enterprise Zone comprises 142 hectares of prime employment land adjacent to the M1 motorway and is an ideal location for manufacturing and supply chain companies. Fully developed, it has the ability to foster more than 9,500 jobs. It is already home to well-established manufacturers such as packaging company, Roberts Mart, floor covering specialist, Mercardo and Symington’s food.
