Open for business

The infrastructure of the site was completed last summer and work is well under way to start developing individual plots, ready for business

Over 80 percent of the plots have been sold or are currently in negotiation, which is a great statement of confidence from investors. It is good news for both the future of the site and Berwick itself as a centre for enterprise. We are hopeful that it will result in hundreds of new jobs being created in the wider Berwick-upon-Tweed area.

February saw the first successful planning application approved for a commercial development on the site. In March there will be more planning applications for three new commercial developments together with exciting plans to improve the existing estate as part of the new Ramparts Business Park through landscaping and artwork.

Future speculative developments will follow, including two by Cheshire-based Gladman Developments. They have applied for planning permission for 27,000 sq ft of offices and 12,000 sq ft of small industrial units. Marrtree Limited from Bradford are also seeking approval to develop five business nursery units of between 1,500 sq ft and 4,000 sq ft.
Gladman Developments, the UK’s largest speculative office and industrial developer, says the company’s £4m investments at Ramparts could generate more than 300 much-needed new jobs in the town, the first of which could be created as early as the end of 2007.

Gladman’s Development Manager Greg Limb commented: “This will be one of the biggest positive impacts on the economic prospects of Berwick for many years. Our new development will help meet a pent-up demand for purpose-built office and industrial space. Our product has been tailored to meet the demands of modern business, meaning that occupiers generally find our speculative units perform as well, if not better than, design-and-build units”.
William Marshall, Director of Bradford-based Marrtree Limited, admitted that he had come across the Ramparts when in Berwick looking at another development opportunity. “We did not pursue that but rather chose the Ramparts development which we see as an excellent opportunity in the town where there is a shortage of quality, modern industrial units,” he said.

“It is a fantastic location; so close to the A1, the main East Coast rail link, and the midway point between the very vibrant markets of Edinburgh and Newcastle. The units will provide flexible space for a variety of uses and the first should be ready by October.”

Work is also progressing well with the new Work Space development in the town centre. Completion is on target to for early in 2008.

Progress is also being made in developing an ambitious regeneration masterplan for the town, with specific schemes such as a proposed new leisure marina for Tweedmouth now being worked up in partnership with local community groups, residents and businesses.

All in all, Berwick is truly “open for business”.